Can i use sand in a freshwater tank?

Question

i have a 75 gallon tank that i want to put sand in, and i just wanted to know if the sand would effect my filtration system, but many would it effect the types of cichlids i put in the tank?

Answer 1

ofcourse you can put sand in ur tank. Just make sure to mix it real well.

Answer 2

Sand is fine for freshwater and will work with virtually any filtration system other than undergravel filters (if it is constantly kicked into the water column, you'll have trouble with HOBs or internal filters).  It's great for Cichilds, too, as many are notorious diggers, and this will facilitate this instinct.  What kind of Cichlids do you have?  For South Americans, pool filter sand or play sand would be best, as they are both inert and will not leech buffers into your water (raising the pH).  For Rift Lake Cichilds, crushed coral or even marine sands would be good choices, as it will provide a healthy buffer and a high pH (both of which, these species need).

Answer 3

Yes, you can put all types of sand for your fish. Or rocks, if you prefer. Make it look like there home.

Answer 4

RLP is right sand is okay as long as the filter and fish can withstand it.

Answer 5

mhm get the right filter thou

Answer 6

Yes, you can put sand. I think if you have a canister filter the sand won't affect it but it will affect a HOB filter if the sand isn't heavy enough.

Answer 7

Absolutely. I hear a lot of people put pool sand in with cichlids. Cichlids actually generally prefer sand (especially the Neotropical/American cichlids because that is where they'd normally breed). Just rinse it off as best you can, and don't use an undergravel filter please! Enjoy!

Answer 8

Yes you can put sand in. The cheapest to buy is play sand. For african cichlids crushed coral works well because it helps bring the pH up and stabilize it. For cichlids that prefer low pH, don't use the coral. You will need to pour it a bit at a time into a bucket, and rinse it really really well to get all the dust out, or it will turn your tank cloudy. When putting in substrate it is best to do it before adding anything to the tank, then when you fill with water, put a plate on top of the sand and let the water flow onto this, it prevents disrupting the sand and also helps prevent clouding. Most of the time sand will not disrupt the filter, unless you have the hose all the way to the susbstrate. You will also have to clean it slightly different. Hold the vacuum about 1/2" away from the surface and it will suck up all the surface waste. Then sift your fingers through the sand to let the gases escape and bring up any waste, wait 15 minutes, and siphon the surface of the sand again. Then you are done. You get the hang of it eventually

Answer 9

no if u have fresh water fish u cant