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**Dick** · August 20th 06, 12:56 AM posted to rec.aquaria.freshwater.misc

On 19 Aug 2006 09:59:19 -0700,
wrote:

Hi All,

A friend is setting up a fresh water tank he has been given. It's tall
rather than long and fits in a corner unit. He's not sure weather to go
for sand or gravel at the bottom of the tank. What are the pro's and
cons? Is sand easy clean?

TIA

I have gravel in 2 tanks, medium sand in a 75 and fine sand in a 10.
For about a year I did not use sand in a 10 gallon tank
What is better? None, they all work better with some plants than
others. I have Crypts in the 75 with medium sand and the same stock
of Crypts in a 29 gallon with coarse gravel. In the 29 they were
almost to the top of the tank, say 15 inches, they have never grown
above 10 inches in the 75. I have low light levels in all the tanks.

If your question is ease of maintenance, again I draw a neutral. In 3
years I have never cleaned the gravel, whereas the 10 with no gravel I
cleaned the bottom every water change.

I believe the secret to easy tank maintenance is changing a percentage
of water on a regular basis. I change 20% twice weekly. I change
filter cartridges only when more water is going out the over flow than
through filters.

I just re-read your comments. Tall tanks are hard to clean. I have
problems reaching the bottom of my and 29 gallon tanks. I wouldn't
even try cleaning the bottom unless it was bare.

You didn't mention plants. They can be lots of fun, but be sure they
are suitable for the tank lighting. It is measured as watts/gallon,
but I would think a tall tank less light would reach the bottom.

You certainly are a good friend.

dick