Sand As A Substrates

scrimp · Post by **scrimp** » Fri Oct 08, 2004 6:19 pm

Is this a good or bad idea. I found a wonderful site with a plant tank witha fine powedered sand it seems. Is this a good or bad idea for shrimp. I think I may want to change to a fine powdered sand. The shrimp in the picture did seem to be digging in the sand which looked like that would be cool to watch for hours. Any thoughts?

Bradimus · Post by **Bradimus** » Fri Oct 08, 2004 7:13 pm

For most (all?) of the shrimp listed here, I don't think the texture of the substrate is critical. Sand can be successfully used in an aquarium, but there are some special concerns such as the type of sand. Compatification and the development of an anoxic substrate are also issues. Do you plan on planting the tank? If so, with what?

amanda_h · Post by **amanda_h** » Fri Oct 08, 2004 7:27 pm

One issue with a sand substrate is that it's a pain to clean. Shrimp poo. A lot. And it's next to impossible to syphon out the poo without siphoning out a bunch of sand as well. And poo sitting on top of sand? Not attractive.

Trust me on this one.

amber2461 · Post by **amber2461** » Fri Oct 08, 2004 8:32 pm

Which is why I have Onyx Sand, they are dark grey in colour ...

scrimp · Post by **scrimp** » Fri Oct 08, 2004 10:45 pm

I saw this wonderful planted tank with sand and crystal reds in it. The shrimp seemed to dig holes in the sand! Thats why I think I would like to have it. I would put my x-mas moss and um some plants I have yet to discover. If I knew how to post a picture id post the picrures of the tanks im talking about and youll see what imt alking about.