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discus tank gravel vs sand
Posted: Fri May 30, 2025 8:04 pm
by CalmEcho
I'm setting up a new 75-gallon tank for my Discus and can't decide between gravel or sand. I've heard sand is better for their natural behavior, but gravel is easier to clean. Anyone have experience with both?
Re: discus tank gravel vs sand
Posted: Fri May 30, 2025 9:21 pm
by subway
Sand is the way to go. It mimics their natural habitat better, and they love sifting through it. Just make sure you get fine sand, not the coarse stuff. I use pool filter sand in my 120-gallon, and it's been great. Easy to vacuum too if you do it right.
Re: discus tank gravel vs sand
Posted: Fri May 30, 2025 10:25 pm
by dynamo
I've used both in different tanks. Gravel can trap debris, which messes with water quality if you're not careful. Sand is cleaner long-term, but you gotta stir it occasionally to prevent dead spots. My Discus are way more active on sand, fwiw.
Re: discus tank gravel vs sand
Posted: Sat May 31, 2025 12:02 am
by Lapad
subway wrote: ↑Fri May 30, 2025 9:21 pm
Sand is the way to go. It mimics their natural habitat better, and they love sifting through it. Just make sure you get fine sand, not the coarse stuff. I use pool filter sand in my 120-gallon, and it's been great. Easy to vacuum too if you do it right.
Totally agree! My fish are so much happier since I switched to sand. They dig around all day, and it looks way more natural. Plus, no sharp edges to worry about.
Re: discus tank gravel vs sand
Posted: Sat May 31, 2025 12:44 am
by Banger
Gravel's fine if you're on top of maintenance. I've got a 55-gallon with gravel, and my Discus are thriving. Just gotta vacuum it weekly and keep an eye on nitrates. Sand's prettier, though, no lie.
Re: discus tank gravel vs sand
Posted: Sat May 31, 2025 1:56 am
by Silva
I tried gravel first, but switched to sand after my fish got stressed. They kept spitting it out, weird vibe. Now they're chill, and the tank's easier to clean. Win-win.
Re: discus tank gravel vs sand
Posted: Sat May 31, 2025 3:11 am
by gleek2
Sand all the way, dude. Gravel's a pain to clean, and Discus dig sand like crazy. I use CaribSea Super Naturals in my 90-gallon, and it's been smooth sailing. Just don't go too deep with it, or you'll get anaerobic pockets.
Re: discus tank gravel vs sand
Posted: Sat May 31, 2025 5:06 am
by WiseLynx
Gravel's sketchy for Discus, imo. They're delicate, and sharp edges can mess with their barbels. Sand's softer and lets 'em forage like they would in the wild. My tank's been way more stable since I switched.
Re: discus tank gravel vs sand
Posted: Sat May 31, 2025 5:20 am
by Blazer
I've had both, and sand is definitely better. Gravel traps too much gunk, and it's harder to keep the tank clean. My Discus are way more active on sand, too.
Re: discus tank gravel vs sand
Posted: Sat May 31, 2025 6:42 am
by kayden
Sand seems to be the consensus here. I'll probably go with that. Any tips on how deep to layer it?