Changed from Gravel to Sand!

[Asheyna]

So, after reading all about it I've decided to make the move from gravel to sand. Mostly cuz of I want to keep loaches, and second because it looks cool. I got some pool filter sand today and made the change.

Sadly the change has caused a small spike in the Ammonia which Lady Hobbs tells me is to be expected. I'm really hoping it's just a small spike cuz I have really been looking forward to a cycled tank!

Anyways, I adore the way it looks. What do you lot think? I'm considering adding a piece of driftwood, maybe one of those cave ones, in the midst of the plants.


http://i47.tinypic.com/34fmyko.jpg

[MandyK]

Very nice! I just made the same change about 3 days ago.

[Asheyna]

How ya liking it? I'm so excited to see how it looks with the black background. And I'm thinking about maybe getting a different colored light in one of the light spots in the cover.

[MandyK]

Absolutely loving it! Mine also has a black background. 3/4's of the floor is black sand, and 1/4 is white.

Yours looks ancient! In a good way. I mostly don't like fake deco buildings, but yours is really working! The white sand really accentuates it. I also love driftwood. A small piece would look nice I think.

[Asheyna]

Yeah, I know there's a general dislike of the fake decoration type thing. Honestly though I think it works in this tank I'm glad I'm not the only one! With the white sand I think it really suits the vibe.

[MandyK]

I don't know what you did, but whatever it was you did it right! :)

[Asheyna]

Hehe, thanks :) My daughter wanted neon pink sand, I vetoed lol. For my tank and hers.

[Fish_Bone]

Asheyna-

Hehe, thanks :) My daughter wanted neon pink sand, I vetoed lol. For my tank and hers.


LMAO!!! I couldn't agree more. The tank looks real nice, it has a good flow. Decent amount of nice looking Fo-plants, some themed decor, but not too much, congrats on finding balance.

[Asheyna]

Thanks :) do you think some driftwood, a small piece providing a cave in the midst of the tank, would be too much?

I'm probably going to have to cave in her tank and let her get something girly in her tank (the filter media is cycling in my tank atm). Maybe some pink fake flowers?

[Fish_Bone]

Well depending on what you want to keep, I took and glance and didn't see any reference to what is going in this tank yet, IMO I think you do in fact have room for a small to medium cave among the plants.

As for some drift wood, I think it would have to be a very specific piece.
And placement is huge. It looks like you are running out of space based on what I can see from the pic though. maybe a small piece would be ok.

these are just spit ball idea's, as you can judge your space a little better and also have the final word.

[Lady Hobbs]

Yeah, I know there's a general dislike of the fake decoration type thing.

This is your tank and it doesn't matter what anyone likes other than you. My dislike of fake decorations are those that fish get stuck in. I spent $20 on a fake log and another $30 on a stupid castle......both death traps. I could have bought a nice piece of mopai wood for that $50 !

We live and learn as we go. Your decoration is fine and is safe.

[luv2sk8te17]

im assuming the plants are fake. get rid of the fake plants and get real ones. it till help stabilize the system. sand is my fav substrate and nice job on picking pool filter sand. it has a good grain size.

[Asheyna]

This is your tank and it doesn't matter what anyone likes other than you.

Oh I know, I do what I want, that's not a worry. Was more of a general comment. I love those columns I think they're pretty and I really do love the way they work in the tank.


im assuming the plants are fake. get rid of the fake plants and get real ones. it till help stabilize the system. sand is my fav substrate and nice job on picking pool filter sand. it has a good grain size.

I definitely plan on getting live plants at some point. This is my first tank so I'm taking it slowly. I was given all those fake plants. As the budget allows I'll be replacing them with real. I do want to do more reading on growing plants in sand though, I've read that it can be tricky.

[luv2sk8te17]

my plant roots seem to grow faster through the sand. it is also easier to position them where i want in the sand. since it is a finer grain it seems to settle in around the plant and roots better. i would recommend getting a few cheap plants first to make sure they survive. this will also initiate the tanks cycle for plants. you will notice a more stable environment with plants since they recycle and help produce oxygen. you will need sufficient water movement to prevent stagnant pockets. shouldnt be too hard with your size tank.