Sand can trap harmful stuff if it is undisturbed but a few MTS or a fish that likes to rearrange things like a puffer or an oscar and you don't have to worry about it. Every thing has its ups and downs try not to be so passionate about one or the other life will seem much better for you in the long run.
Why not to use sand
- Thread starter Polyptasaurus
- Start date
I've read about the gases building up also if the sand doesnt get stirred enough. If you use it as part of a Plenum filter, you usually wont have to worry about it though.
no the info is not hear say, take it as you will man, it was posted to just give people more knowledge around the subject. nobody said you gotta go home and change your setup.
yeah i think the best fish in regards to "stirring it up" would have to be freshwater flounders, soles, or tongues, those guys really move it around
lol, there were just several other users who agreed, you're taking this so personally like you're the guy who INVENTED sand. relax buddy, its not that serious.
To avoid these patches of nitrates in the sand, every week, when I do a water change, i take the handle of my net, and just go through the sand; just getting all the sand mixed around. 
No problems yet, *knock on wood*
But sometimes I don't even need to do the net thing because my Plecostomus digs all the time; stirring up the sand
But yes, Gravel is better at times.
No problems yet, *knock on wood*
But sometimes I don't even need to do the net thing because my Plecostomus digs all the time; stirring up the sand
But yes, Gravel is better at times.
Also, to the first post, sand should also be used for loaches and sensitive catfish. Gravel can sometimes cut their barbels 