Loaches Online Forum

I couldn't find this when searching the forums but I frind if hard to believe it hasn't come up before so if there are any threads where this is covered please let me know.

I have a 38 gallon that I'm working on converting over to something that would be more friendly for my new zebra loaches. I think I have everything pretty close but I think the substrate should be switched out. Right now I have what I would call your classic fish gravel in. I think this might be too rough on the Loaches for digging into. what I've read they would prefer a softer Sand substrate.

I wanted to get some feedback on what type of sand is preferable (Silica, Play Sand, Iron Slag, Coral Sand, Aragonite, Black Tahitian Moon Sand, etc.) Also how is sand cared for differently from gravel.

Thanks for the help and I'll post pictures as soon as the guys start staying still.

You might want to Search Pool Filter Sand. That's what many people here use. Stay away from any kind of sand that can leach, like coral sand. Play sand is usually bad too because it compacts and can promote anaerobic pockets.

Pool filter sand is great. Just wash carefully before using and make sure your filter intakes are a few inches above the sand. It's easy to care for - I vacuum with a normal siphon, but by holding the tube at a 50-60 degree angle and with only part of it in the sand, the sand doesn't get sucked up. Others vacuum above the sand, and then stir the sand around a bit now and then. There's a good video here http://www.cichlid-forum.com/videos/cleaning_sand.php for the latter method.

Thanks for the video it looks like the sand is the way to go. I'll send pics when available.