What substrate and filtration?

[axle]

This has probably been asked a few times on here but a search brings up plenty of unrelated stuff.

What substrate (if any) do plec keepers like in there tanks?
And what type of filtration is prefered?
Ive got a few different setups now but none with sand and Im thinking of giving it a try. It looks pretty good and I have some Ls that like to dig around in the gravel so I thought sand might be the favoured substrate for some.
Is sand a nuisance with canister filters?
Does anyone just use sponges and sand?

 

[Lornek8]

Gravel and sand are both popular substrates, as is no substrate at all. It's pretty much personnel preference. Each can have advantages and disadvantages and require slightly different maintenance.

A popular choice for filtration is cansiters. I like to run them in combination with other external filters like Hang-on-back filters. So long as you don't use too fine a sand you shouldn't have a problem running a sand substrate with any filter unless you have massive current in the tank which constantly churns the substrate.

Many people do run sponges and a sand substrate. I don't like sponge filters for display tanks simply from an aesthetic point of view but for breeding tanks and grow-out tanks sponges are great filters. The only downside may be that they might not produce enough aeration/current in the tank depending on the setup and tank size.

 

[axle]

Thanks for that. Ill be running a sponge and a canister on this particular tank. I like a sponge in each tank so I can keep the air cranking easily with a genset when the power goes out. Where I live it goes out several times a year, sometimes for days at a time.

Can someone tell me which is the white, coarse sand which will not alter or buffer PH?

 

[321clayt]

I just use Silica Sand. Just get it from a pool shop costs about $20 for 20kg or something like that.

Has no effect on the ph and doesnt scratch the fish when they dig in it.