Black sand in a discus tank?

[thekarens]

Bought some black sand from Dan today thinking I would put it in my nano but now I'm thinking I should do my eventual discus tank in black sand. I think that would really make the fish pop. What do y'all think?

[PhishPhreek]

Re: Black sand in a discus tank?

And paint the back of the tank black also

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Black sand in a discus tank?

It would... but detritus shows up easily over black sand.

[fishlady]

Re: Black sand in a discus tank?

i think it would look awsome......

[CichlidFan]

Re: Black sand in a discus tank?

I mix a tad of play sand in with my black, it breaks up the solid black look and gives the black a softer more realistic look or maybe even natural look...your'e welcome to come take a look at my community tank if you like, I'm only 15 minutes down the road..if that.

CF

[thekarens]

Re: Black sand in a discus tank?

Thanks Steve, I'd like that. Now that I've picked Lorettas brain I can start in on you :)

We did also plan on covering the back. Not sure if it will be paint but something

[szidlon]

Re: Black sand in a discus tank?

Discus tend to look darker with a black substrate and if any peppering developes, it makes it even more noticeable. If I ever redo my discus tank, it will be a bare bottom.  Check with Dan, but I think he, or someone else, told me discus will try to blend in with their environment.  I currently have black sand, and from my personal experience, I would not recommend black sand.

[CichlidFan]

Re: Black sand in a discus tank?

+1

I have to follow along wth that last comment, only because, I've noticed that the fish that are kept in a "black" environment, do tend to try to match or blend in with their background, in short, they try to get as black as they can to conceal themselves better....

They would probably adjust slower, but better in a clear or neutral setting....But, I'm only guessing in this area....

CF

[thekarens]

Re: Black sand in a discus tank?

Hmmmmm, now what do to with that black sand.....

[fishlady]

Re: Black sand in a discus tank?

put a bright blue back on the tank.....and use the black.....

[Nickintex]

Re: Black sand in a discus tank?

put a bright blue back on the tank.....and use the black.....

Add white sand and mix for a cool marbled effect. That's what I did for the goldfish/crawfish tank I have at work and it looks fabulous!

[JGUERRA]

2/3 black and 1/3 pool filter sand looks real cool kinda like marbled but black marble... pretty cool looking and i have it with cichlids.

[Zulaab]

I dont have discus... but looking at nature pictures etc... they are used to from the looks of it, a light substrate since they are in the river, and what I am thinking they live in and out of the share.. I would keep a light bottom such as paver sand that FL's tank has in it.. I think this would look fantastic, but then again I would also get something that plants grow well in too.. and I dont know about paver sand.
Just my 2c worth.

[jeb102385]

Forget sand get some ecocomplete and make it a planted discus tank

[eklikewhoa]

Forget sand get some ecocomplete and make it a planted discus tank

Forget Eco-Complete and jump to Aquasoil!