Sand or Gravel?

So I got my new (to me) AquaH2O on the weekend, and went with the black sand I got from Veegal&Zafgak.

Problem is it looks terrible, and I'm not convinced it's because it's black but rather because it's sand over gravel.

Crap just lies everywhere on top of the surface, and at this rate I'll be going back to the gravel.

So what do you use, and why?

 

i prefer sand for smaller tanks

 

And smaller would imply what exactly?

Is this going to be another Henk "pond" which is a "dam" story

 

I prefer sand, however there are some pros and cons.....
PROS
- it looks more 'natural'
- it isn't as rough or sharp as some gravel and therefore kinder on the bottom feeders
CONS
- it's an absolute nightmare to wash
- it takes FOREVER to wash
- it breaks your back washing it....

 

That is so true - and the pain is worth the finished effect

 

I'll always be hanging over his shoulder though wondering whether he is cleaning it properly.......I already nag Gavin (zafgak) when he does it Can you just imagine how I would be with the gardener.....?????

 

Okay fine and dandy with the washing, but that's outside the tank.

How do you keep it clean inside the tank? I guess I better come have a look at your tanks when I pick up the thermometers to see if you have shit all over the place as well.

 

Shaun if you use the darker sand, like we have in the 2m, you don't really see the gunk at all. Cleaning is the same as with gravel - syphon. Yip, check it out when you come through, I'll show you the different colour sands as well. We have both the lighter and the darker sand in different tanks - I MUCH prefer the darker version though.

 

I suspect it's mostly because the tank is overstocked that it's so hectic.

Also with the Fluval being syphon based, and not like the powerhead systems I had before it doesn't actually "suck" stuff off the bottom so much.

 

4ft is small for me

 

Sand rules dude. Plants love it, fish love, it looks better, easier to clean once in the tank (ie, siphoning when doing water changes). Sand might be a pain in the butt to clean the first time when getting it, but once done, you hardly have to 'gravel-vac' as your fish actually keep most of it clean.

 

Totally agree with Solex -- Sand Rules