Another substrate question?

jars104 · Post by **jars104** » 03 Apr 2006, 15:32

Hi all

I've often heard of people putting a sand "play area" in to a community tank for their corydoras.

How is this done exactly? Should there be a small area setup or are we talking a large amount?? I have a Juwell Rio 180 (1m) tank.

Are there any issues to be aware of??

Thanks in advance

Post by **corybreed** » 03 Apr 2006, 23:54

I use playground sand in some of my tanks. You need to ues only a thin layer of sand, just enough to cover the bottom of the tank. If you use to much sand there is a tendency for it to pack down which encourages the build-up of anaerobic activity.

Mark

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 04 Apr 2006, 09:45

I bought a 25kg(?) bag from Wickes (the DIY chain), but I'm sure other places have the same stuff. That's certainly enough to do the entire tank and then some... Cost like 3-4 quid, so not an expensive thing...

You can have a small corner of the tank or cover the whole bottom. If you just want a small "play area", one idea that I've read about is to put a terracotta saucer in the tank, and put the sand in that. If you have gravel in the rest of the tank, then the sand isn't going to "fly about" and end up everywhere...

--
Mats

Iporangensis Headach · Post by **Iporangensis Headach** » 07 Apr 2006, 01:41

i have an goldfish and an earth eater, i put in a full 2KG bag of silica sand at one end,

Lets just say its well and truly mixed up now

eupterus · Post by **eupterus** » 07 Apr 2006, 17:31

I have nine tanks ranging from 2 rio 400 to 6 gallon corie breeding tanks and all of them use the play pit sand. Cories love in and there is nothing better than watching a long nose barbatus upto the eyes rooting for bloodworm. Perfect media for perfect fish. IMO

Iporangensis Headach · Post by **Iporangensis Headach** » 08 Apr 2006, 02:36

i am going to make a playpit under my drift wood shelter area and i am going to get some skunks