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Re: sand as a substrate
Damon writes:
> I am not sure why sand has been suggested as a substrate in a
> fresh-water fish tank. However, for a planted tank it is common to see
> suggestions of sand-fluorite-gravel from bottom to top. It may be of
> value to point out that some species of algae and diatoms utilize
> silica. hence, by adding sand one might contribute to algification of
> one's tank when trying your best to prevent it with other measures
> (phosphate free fertilizer and buffers).
It would seem to me that these critters could pull silica out of the aquarium
glass as easily as the sand in the substrate. I have a natural quartz gravel
covering the PMAS substrate in my 55-gallon tank. There are silicates at the
level of 41ppm in my tap water. This tank has been my least algae-infested
tank to date. Most clays, including the infamous laterites aquatic gardeners
seem addicted to, are heavy in aluminum silicate. I don't think, from my
personal experience, that silica in the substrate is going to be an
algae-related issue.
Bob Dixon