Basics of using sand

[stanleyc]

Im thinking about starting to use sand in my semi aquatic tanks. If i drop black worms onto the sand will they burrow in? If they do how should I feed black worms? Also how do you clean the sand, the same was as gravel? Is there any chance of the newts eating the sand by accident along with food that is on it? Sorry if these questions are answered elsewhere.

thanks
Stanley

 

[Kaysie]

Yes, blackworms will burrow in. What species are you keeping? You could skip feeding blackworms and just use earthworms. If you desire to stick with blackworms, you could try putting them on a plate, or having a clean area in the tank with no sand. Yes, you clean sand the same way as gravel, and occasionally the newts may eat sand but small particles should be easily passed.

 

[nhaislip]

I seem to notice that the blackworms do burrow into the sand, but then they also come back up and then the newts can eat them. So I wouldn't feed out exclusively black worms, but you will notice that they will pop out from time to time out of the sand and the newts will grab them then.

 

[stanleyc]

I am keeping C. Orientalis and Cyanurus. What are the positives and advantages of sand over say gravel or no substrate at all?

 

[Kaysie]

Sand and gravel both are more aesthetic than a bare bottom tank. Sand particles will usually pass through the digestive tract easily if ingested, where gravel may be too big to pass and cause a blockage/impaction. Gravel is also much harder to clean than sand, as the food and waste particles will sift down between the gravel and become trapped. If it's not cleaned diligently, it will cause major spikes in water quality. Sand will get dirty, but doesn't seem to hide waste as much as gravel does.

 

[stanleyc]

Thanks, so should i clean sand with a syphon, or will a bastor do?

 

[Kaysie]

A baster is fine for surface poo, but I use a siphon when I do my weekly water changes.

 

[Viv]

Do you have to get some more sand every time you siphon it out?