Should I use gravel or sand in my tropical freshwater aquarium. ?

Question

I have a 55 gallon freshwater tank with an assortment of mollies, guppies, and platys. I currently have standard Wal-Mart issue aquarium gravel on the bottom. Is there any benefit to sand? I want to diversify my fish varieties and have read that some of the more exotic fish like a sandy bottom for scavenging or hiding? Any thoughts?

Answer 1

Some fish, like many corys, like sand because it won't hurt their barbels, but I have two freshwater tanks with gravel and one with sand, and personally I find sand harder to keep clean. It also gets into the filter so it clogs faster. From what I have read, sand is not a good substrate if you have live plants either.

You are right, however, that some fish like sand and if you can keep it clean I agree it looks nice, at least at first. Below is a reference that describes the various types of sand you can use in your tank. Don't use live sand in freshwater or any kind that will affect your water parameters.

Answer 2

ummm gravel?

Answer 3

Gravel is easier to clean and won't cloud your water like sand.

If you want a smaller more natural gravel get sand blast and rinse it very well