How Do You Use Sand As A Substrate In A Freshwater Aquarium?
Gravel substrates for freshwater aquariums are not only boring and mediocre, they’re also not suitable for plants and bottom dwellers. Sand is a better choice. The small and smooth grains of sand are safer for bottom feeders like Corydoras, bottom dwellers like loaches, and substrate sifters like Cichlids. The fine pebbles are also better than gravel at anchoring plants. Sand comes in different types, like pool filter sand, silica, aragonite, play sand and coral sand, all of which are attractive and easy to install, clean and maintain. Rinse the sand under clean running water, working with two-gallon portions at a time. Use a bucket or large basin and water from a hose to swirl the sand around and remove the dust and debris. The sand is ready when the rinse water runs clear. Pour the sand into the aquarium. Use the plastic cup to smooth the clean sand in the tank. Slope the sand low in front and high in the back. The slope will allow debris to settle at the lowest point where it will b
