Substrate or no substrate for pleco tanks

[Jkhuu]

Most of my tanks are bared bottom and I am thinking of using substrate for the tank i am setting up.
Came across this vid from youtube. I am more interested in the underwater part of the setup. I like how that looks. (Thats a huge tank..My is not that big but just using it for ideas)

YouTube - 5300 us gallon South America panorama tank / 20.000l Becken @ a Zoo Aquarium [1/1] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQvCttWASD0)

Any idea or input from your experience on using substrates ? i.e. size, cleaning, etc.

Thanks

JK

[CanadaPleco]

Looks just like the play sand I got from Lowes. That big guy of yours will sure stir it up! I have my pseudas on sand now and are only 6" and they throw the sand like crazy around the rocks and such to get to their hiding holes. I havent found the sand to be much of a problem with keeping it clean (few hundred MTS) , and I think it looks a lot more natural.

[Jkhuu]

Thanks Rich,

I like the idea of the natural sand. Also a little easy on the pocket as well.

[Hitch]

you can also get free natural sand from any lake shore...just make sure to disinfect it before using. I have 2 tanks using the lake ontario sand.....I gotta say, my corys love digging in it.

[Catsaholic]

If you planning to plant your tank, you'll need different substrates. If you will need it, I can get you their names (I have them written somewhere. They also natural looking, but expensive. You will need $100+ to cover 33 gal tank.
Personally, I like a lot that substrate that I've got from Rich together with a tank. Ask him what it's called. It's REALLY good looking and a little heavier than the sand.

[Jkhuu]

If you planning to plant your tank, you'll need different substrates. If you will need it, I can get you their names (I have them written somewhere. They also natural looking, but expensive. You will need $100+ to cover 33 gal tank.
Personally, I like a lot that substrate that I've got from Rich together with a tank. Ask him what it's called. It's REALLY good looking and a little heavier than the sand.

Thanks. No plants for this tank as it won't last. I got some black flourites gravel, some eco complete mixed with other stuffs, some 3M black sand. All left over from the planted tanks i had before. I probably will end up everything together with some play sand to give it that natural look. Then put in some driftwood and rocks.

[willin]

Can't wait to see it J.K....let me know if you need a hand setting up.

[Jkhuu]

Can't wait to see it J.K....let me know if you need a hand setting up.

Thanks Rich. Be expecting to get a call when this crzy heavy boy is ready to be moved to the final location. :beated:

JK

[Bwhiskered]

I find the play sand is a bit fine. I usually buy the coarse concrete sand rather than the finer mortar sand.
Some garden centers have a coarse horticultural sand. You can improve the looks and quality of any of these by adding a bit of pea gravel.
If you want a silica type sand you can get it from sand blasting fine to coarse gravel at a cheap price in Hamilton. It is available from an industrial supplier for about $12.00 for a 100 lb bag. They have bottles with sizes to choose from.They are only open Monday to Friday about 8 to 5. They are Bell & McKenzie 500 Sherman Ave N., Hamilton. You go as far north on Sherman as you can and follow the signs and arrows on the sign boards.

[Jkhuu]

I find the play sand is a bit fine. I usually buy the coarse concrete sand rather than the finer mortar sand.
Some garden centers have a coarse horticultural sand. You can improve the looks and quality of any of these by adding a bit of pea gravel.
If you want a silica type form sand blast fine to gravel coarse at a cheap price it is available frome an industrial supplier for about $12.00 for a 100 lb bag. They have bottles with sizes to choose from.They are only open Monday to Friday about 8 to 5. They are Bell & McKenzie 500 Sherman Ave N., Hamilton. You go as far north on Sherman as you can and follow the signs and arrows on the sign boards.

Thanks Charlie,
Appreciate the info. I think something coarse would work for me. I find it sometimes fine sand sticks to certain food. If i recall correctly, your setups are very natural looking. Like the way they look.

JK