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im wondering what the best kind of sand is for the zebs as im setting up there new tank very soon?also hav any of u got a gavel vac what has batary power are they any good?also are u able to use lave rock in the tank with the zebs so i can giv them some hidy holes?aswell as slate an bog wood, thanks ryan

Hi Ryan,
Normal aquarium sand or silver sand is probably the best, although make sure you have a very thin layer and stir it often or have lots of trumpet snails to make sure you don't get any gas pockets which can kill Zebrasand other fish.
I would avoid lava rock as it is quite sharp and could easily damage sparring zebras and just stick with the slate and bogwood. As for the battery syphon i have no idea if they are any good as i have never used one. Hope this helps.

Personally I would avoid the Malayan snail, it adds to the biological load.

I know it works for some people, I also use gravel and have had no problems with dead spots, adults or fry.

Just keep the substrate very thin.

Dave

im using estes and tahitan moon sand in my tank and its great, i would steer awayr from lots of sand meant for saltwater or crushed coral. i have a thin layer in mine probably less than an inch and use a mini-python to gravel vac my tank and it works great. the mini-python will actually clean the sand without sucking it all out.

i agree with the others lava rock wouldnt be the best thing to use.