River Sand

Discussion in 'Planted Tanks' started by Linxie, Mar 11, 2010.

  1. Linxie

    Linxie

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    Hope this is in the right section...

    I have 2 kuhli loaches (going to buy more soon) and I've noticed they can't burrow into the silica sand. Would they be able to burrow in proper river sand? I'd really like my kuhli's to be at their happiest, even though they're loving the caves.

    Also, is river sand better for plants? Not worried about the nutrients as I feed them plant food, I'm more worried about the sand compacting and squashing the roots.

    What are your thoughts on this matter?
     
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  3. Big G

    Big G Apisto Nutz!!!

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    Don't worry!! THey will be fine as long as they have some hidie holes!! Wood is always good!!

    Horseface Loachs will dive into the pool sand and even swim under it!! A few times I've seen a big flump of sand suddenly be thrown up as my horseface darts from one point under the sand to another!! And he doesn't even come up out of it in the process!!!!

    CHeer!
    G!
     
  4. OP
    Linxie

    Linxie

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    There's plenty of space for them ^^, oh the joys of free rocks :D
    HAHAHA that sounds awesome! Just googled the horseface loach... what interesting creatures! Did you buy yours from one of the sponsors or at the LFS?
     
  5. Gert Combrink

    Gert Combrink

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    I use black sand in one of my tanks, and the horsefaces loves it. One can sometimes see half of the body sticking out as they work the sand through their mouths and out the gills!
    Riversand that is well washed, in the river, and before putting it in your tank, have rounded edges and cory's love it, as it will not damage their "feelers" while they feel/forrage through it for food!
     
  6. Zoom

    Zoom Retired Moderator

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    I wouldn't really want the loaches to be buring under the sand too much in any case. THey would up root your plants, and the could even could a rock to stumble... and a rock falling onto your glass could prove messy.
     
  7. OP
    Linxie

    Linxie

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    Hmmm Zoom you have a point... I never thought of that :/
    Oh well, lets scrap that idea then ^^,
     
  8. darryn

    darryn

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    Gert, where did you get your black sand from? Is it fine enough for cories? Any pics?
    Thanks
     
  9. Zoom

    Zoom Retired Moderator

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    Most good LPS stores will sell different "grades" of gravel. My black substrate is very fine. Was a bit pricey tho. Abour R58.00/5kg
     

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