How to Use Sand As a Substrate in a Freshwater Aquarium

Gravel substrates for freshwater aquariums are not only boring and mediocre, they're also not suitable for plants and bottom dwellers. Sand is a better choice. The small and smooth grains of sand are safer for bottom feeders like Corydoras, bottom dwellers like loaches, and substrate sifters like Cichlids. The fine pebbles are also better than gravel at anchoring plants. Sand comes in different types, like pool filter sand, silica, aragonite, play sand and coral sand, all of which are attractive and easy to install, clean and maintain.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium sand
  • Bucket or basin
  • Water hose
  • Plastic cup
  • Saucer
  • Plants and decor
  • Filter
  • Siphon or aquarium vacuum
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Instructions

    • 1

      Rinse the sand under clean running water, working with two-gallon portions at a time. Use a bucket or large basin and water from a hose to swirl the sand around and remove the dust and debris. The sand is ready when the rinse water runs clear.

    • 2

      Pour the sand into the aquarium. Use the plastic cup to smooth the clean sand in the tank.

    • 3

      Slope the sand low in front and high in the back. The slope will allow debris to settle at the lowest point where it will be easy to spot and vacuum off. The highest point of the slope should not be more than two inches thick (a thicker layer of sand will lead to packed areas that allow the buildup of harmful gases and anaerobic bacteria).

    • 4

      Lay the saucer on the sand and pour water gently onto the saucer to minimize disturbance of the substrate. Fill the tank halfway with water.

    • 5

      Add the plants and décor. Place any decorative pieces on the sand and insert the plants as desired. Some plant cuttings may have to be anchored to rocks or driftwood until their root systems become established in the substrate.

    • 6

      Run the filter to remove floating particles and debris.

    • 7

      Perform regular maintenance routines on the substrate. Sand will need to be stirred every few weeks to dislodge trapped detritus. Use a siphon or aquarium vacuum to remove accumulated waste material from the sand.