Using Gravel in media bags underneath sand to build height

[MattyM]

Hi all - after trying out 3 types of substrates (all gravel, all sand, all eco-complete) I've found I really like sand the best. Plants have grown well in all, but the sand seems to show the least waste, and I really like the look. 

For my next tank, I was thinking of using some of the old gravel inside media bags, capped with sand, perhaps to build height in some areas of the tank (and add some beneficial bacteria) or just layered in the bottom (still in bags) so I don't have to use so much sand. I'm thinking the sand cap would be at least a few inches (maybe less where the bags are), as I've found a deep substrate works best for me. 

Would this work? I learned in my sand-only tank that any hills/slopes I make just level out over time. I know some folks put aquasoil in bags, but I've never used it and don't want to introduce an unknown variable since all my current tanks are happy w/o it. Tx!

[Chick-In-Of-TheSea]

I think I saw Simply Betta do something similar in a video?  I will have to try and find it for you.

[_Eric_]

I haven’t done with sand that but seems similar to using rocks in bags to reduce amount of aqua soil needed in a scape to cut down on cost.  Seems like it could be possible for sand to drift away and expose the bags more than aqua soil would.  Worth a shot to find out.  

[Chick-In-Of-TheSea]

 

On 7/13/2023 at 12:56 PM, Chick-In-Of-TheSea said:

I think I saw Simply Betta do something similar in a video?  I will have to try and find it for you.

Serpa design does it in paludariums to add height and the mesh allows the roots to take hold of it.

 

[JChristophersAdventures]

@MattyM From my past experiences, I would have to agree with @_Eric_ . It is likely the bag(s) would become somewhat exposed over time... quicker if there is high flow and/or certain fish that like to play in the substrate. However, in conjunction with some strategically placed hardscape, I think it would be more likely to succeed. Thanks.

[Chick-In-Of-TheSea]

2:38-  she puts the media into pantyhose.

 

[Chick-In-Of-TheSea]

I can vouch for the pantyhose.  Pantyhose is tank-safe; I've used it myself many-a times.  I make media bags with it, generally when it's the rare occasions I use carbon.  I usually do that to help remove meds after a quarantine, in addition to water changes.  Recently I switched to the ACO bags, just because they are reusable (have a drawstring).  With pantyhose I can never get the knot out to get media out, so I have to discard the pouch. 

But that is irrelevant for your purposes @MattyM, since you will not have a need to open the bags.

Edited July 13 by Chick-In-Of-TheSea

[MattyM]

On 7/13/2023 at 12:07 PM, Chick-In-Of-TheSea said:

2:38-  she puts the media into pantyhose.

WOW, I mean - inspiring, but the amount of effort she puts in is daunting... can't wait to see how that tank turns out! Looks like she has some other crazy vids. 

 

On 7/13/2023 at 1:49 PM, Chick-In-Of-TheSea said:

I can vouch for the pantyhose.  Pantyhose is tank-safe

I actually have some of those left over from my brewing days! I used them as a filter before I kegged off a beer. 

Thank you for sharing! 

[Chick-In-Of-TheSea]

On 7/13/2023 at 3:13 PM, MattyM said:

WOW, I mean - inspiring, but the amount of effort she puts in is daunting... can't wait to see how that tank turns out! Looks like she has some other crazy vids. 

I believe she recently finished it!

[MattyM]

On 7/13/2023 at 3:23 PM, Chick-In-Of-TheSea said:

I believe she recently finished it!

No fish yet, but in the next video it's nutz what she does.