What kind of sand should i get?

Question

can i use small stones instead of sand where can i get the sand at

Answer 1

freshwater or saltwater...if you have freshwater, sand often makes PH to high for freshwater.  stick with gravel.

EDIT:Nix what I said, you have the violet goby, I will make you a list of what you need to get....A violet Goby minimum tank is 55 gallons, they get up to 4 feet in length, just so you are prepaired for that....

instant ocean

hydrometer

you can just get bags of colored sand they will sell at any pet store or you can get caribsea live sand, which I don't know if pet smart or any of those chains sell it but any Local owned pet shop that sells saltwater fish will have it.  

you will want to slowly bring the water to 1.008 salinity by adding a few tables spoons every few days, with your hydrometer reads 1.008 that is where you want to keep it, I do suggest the live sand because if you tank is cycled (and I hope that it is) you will loose a good bit of the bacteria that keeps the tank cycled, but drain as much of the water out as you can, in 5 gallon buckets and put the goby in the bucket with that water, take out the gravel, put in the sand and refill with the same water, it WILL be cloudy for 3 or 4 days until all the sand settles, that will be normal, but at any pet store for the sand.

Answer 2

use small stones (gravel) but use a quite fine grade. if the grade is too coarse un eaten food and other waste can drop between the stones. this will make the bottom of the tank more toxic to bottom feeders/dwellers.  ideally you want to be able to syphon any waste off the gravel without taking it all out to clean.

tip. make an incline in the gravel ( more at the back less towards the front. the gentle slop will cause most waste to collect along the front of the glass where it will be easier to remove.

Answer 3

if you are doing fresh water defiently stone. make sure its small stones like no longer than your finger nail.

Answer 4

Stones are better. Wash well before slowly putting in the tank.

Answer 5

Yes, small stones can be used for freshwater.  Sand can also be used for freshwater.  All of your substrate choices should come from a reputable aquarium shop or local pet store.