Habitat - Indoor :: Sand or rocks

[zeek]

Hi guys,
I have seen sand, and I have seen rocks. What is better to use, sand or rocks. Currently I am using rocks for the bottom layer, and I do not like it very much. The reason is I can see food remains floating or certain parts of the bottom of the glass, I think If I used sand, the remains would not be as visible, and also there is a less chance for any little splits in the tank, lol I think I just answered my own question hahaha

But yea, I would like the opinion from someone who really knows and have had experience with using sand. Also, does the sand messes up the water when the turtle plays in it?

And whenever you are draining the water, does the sand get drained with the water???

Give me as much details as you can please, even show me pics if you have any, later and thanks again.

[Daniel3507]

i just recently put sand in. you need to be sure and rinse it VERY well before adding it to your tank because it will cloud your water. you will aslo need to take your turtle out while you do it. when ever cujo kicks up the sand it immedietley drops to the bottom. no big poof or anything. because the sand is more dense than the water you dont really need to worry about sucking the sand up durring water changes.

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... c&start=15

there are pictures of my tank after i put it in and let everything settle. any other questions just ask

[zeek]

sounds cool, umm where did you get your sand, did you buy it and if so what kind was it?

[Daniel3507]

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.j ... Id=2752699

i used 30lbs for my 55gal tank

[Chrisbarnett]

SAND!
I've had it for a few months.

Exactly what Daniel said.

Search the forums for sand, there have been many topics on it.

[Daniel3507]

haha. i knew you would have something to say about this topic chris

[Chrisbarnett]

Oh and heres a pic of my tank:

[Raphulk]

if youre going to use sand, make sure you have the correct filter to successfully do its job without sucking up sand into the motor. if that happens the filter will most likely break.

other than that, sand is great

[zeek]

what filter would that be?

[Raphulk]

i wish i could help, but the only reason i knew about filter problems is that i had to put sand into my softshell turtles tank. and it immediatley guzzled some sand and stopped working. i current dont use a filter for them because their water level is low (on purpose) and its easy to clean daily.

i heard somewhere that external filters are good. get a second and third opinion though, im no where near adequate to answer your question

[Chrisbarnett]

haha. i knew you would have something to say about this topic chris

Of course!


Pretty much any filter will work with sand. You just have to make sure the bottom of the intake is 3-4" from the top of the sand. Otherwise you could/will have issues with sucking up sand that gets kicked up. I have my intake at 4" to be safe, and it does a great job still.

[Chrisbarnett]

i heard somewhere that external filters are good. get a second and third opinion though, im no where near adequate to answer your question

Yes, an External Canister filter (Rena Filstar XP series for example) is the ideal type of filtration for turtles.

[Raphulk]

Yes, an External Canister filter (Rena Filstar XP series for example) is the ideal type of filtration for turtles.[/quote]

i know that rena's are quite expensive.

any suggestion for a cheaper external filter that is still good. for smaller sized tanks?

[Mr. Brown]

Definately go for sand! It looks more realistic than rocks and if floating food chunks bothers you, feed your turtle(s) in a feeding tank (bucket).

I would go for a Rena and look for a deal online. The price you pay will save you several cheaper filters than can't handle the turtles waste.

Check Big Als online.

[Chrisbarnett]

To prevent hijacking of this thread, I'll PM you, Raphulk.