? about Sand as a substrate and egg crate

[A1cntrler]

I did a search a couple of different ways and came up empty each time.. This is for my 55 that is still in the planning stages (picked up the tank today from Craigslist, have filtration/heating already taken care of) I am looking to make a Malawi Cichlid tank..Haven't decided on Mbunas or Peacocks just yet though.

I want to put sand in it. I have always had gravel since I was a wee lad, and want to try something different. I have heard that the sand is good for the Malawis, most like home, and it just looks nice! (Not sure on color yet either though) Will probably use some 3M sand from a pool store or something like that since it is cleaner.

My question has to do with the buildup of the bad gasses that can occur in the sand. Will the Cichlids take care of that on thier own, or will I need to give it a stir a few times a week to keep it clear, and how will the eggcrate work with the diffusing of the gasses? Will it build up in the little compartments since I can't stir in there? Should I just put the crate under the portions where the rock habitats will be constructed, or across the entire bottom??

Thanks!

[Lady Hobbs]

I think the only time people really have problems with the gases in the sand is when they try to go too deep. Someone piles that sand in there 4 inches deep will have a problem maybe but if you keep it as low as possible, I see no problem. I'd leave it bare under the rock.

[Lady Hobbs]

What about the eggs dropping down there in those spaces tho? Maybe you'd better have a thin layer under the rock after all????

[Incredulous_Ed]

I wouldnt use eggcrate at all. The sand already diffuses the weight. I have an inch or two sand substrate in a tank and hasnt had any gas pockets

[Lady Hobbs]

I just have sand under mine, too, Ed.

[A1cntrler]

Sounds good. I was wondering, as I plant to make a couple of medium sized piles of rocks full of hidey-holes and cave for them to claim all thier own, but if you say that sand will do just fine on it's own, then I guess eggcrate would not be necessary. As for the amount I planned on putting, I know for gravel the rule was a pound per gallon, but with the sane, I plan on filling it up enough so that it is just above the black frame on the bottom. Will be less than 2" I think.

[Tooch]

Yeah, there is no real specific rule that I know of with sand. I think it's more of a guidline so you get what you need for decent coverage without over or under-buying. This can change also depending on the footprint of the tank, as a tall tank will need less than a long tank. I don't use eggcrate under my sand. Every other week or so, I just slowly run my fingers through the sand after a good vac to sift it out a little. If it's nice and clean, you should have to worry about clouding your tank. Just don't go crazy swishing it around, and you'll be fine!

[hpt84]

I have 3-4 inches of sand in my aquarium. When I change the water weekly, I just stir the sand with a chopstick and everything is fine.