Sand or Gravel?

[pukfish]

Which would you chose?
I currently have gravel and I am thinking about switching to sand. Sand looks so much nicer too, but do I need a special filter if I have sand in my tank I just have a regular old fish filter similar to a biowheel. No bioballs

 

[mr . salty]

Definatly switch...I am glad I did.The sand not only looks better,but actually reduces the nitrates in your tank if you have it at least 4" deep(DSB)And no special filter is needed.The only filter that will NOT work with sand is an under gravel filter...

 

[pukfish]

Cool thanks.

 

[karlas]

live sand will not only reduce nitrates but become part of your filter it self because it holds more denitrifing bacteria to help break down waste as a biological filter

 

[ebeckels]

buy some cheap aquarium sand and put that in the bottom then buy some good live sand and put it on top. That way all your sand will eventually become live!
-Eric