[dougolasjr]

Can Ramshorns or Pond snails dig up though sand if they get buried? Also what would be the best way to add sand, over another substrate, in an already flooded tank?

Thanks

 

[GeToChKn]

Oh ya, they'll dig out. They'll live in a bag of substrate for 4 months too. lol. Dumped a tank before, let the substrate sit for 4 months, my roomie wanted to setup a tank, gave him the bag, he dumped it in, 10 mins later, ramshorns everywhere.

 

[dougolasjr]

Thanks for the info. I was afraid they would get buried and not be able get out, and I really didn't feel like picking them all out to add a sand cap.

 

[somewhatshocked]

Re: adding sand on top of existing substrate...

Just know that if sand is heavier than the substrate you've already got (I.E., Aquasoil, Fluval Shrimp Stratum, et al), it'll end up beneath your current substrate bed in no time flat. Same for substrates that are larger in grain than sand and allow for it to fall through the cracks (things like Eco-Complete, pea gravel, Akadama).

 

[dougolasjr]

The substrate is eco complete. I was going to use black blasting sand. How long would 1/4-1/2 inch stay above that approx.

 

[somewhatshocked]

Not long. The sand will definitely settle beneath Eco-Complete.

 

[dougolasjr]

Would black gravel then be a better option. I wanted to try and find something black I can get locally today to try and cap the substrate.

 

[somewhatshocked]

Whether or not gravel mixes with Eco-Complete likely depends on the weight of the gravel, its size and such.

Any particular reason you're trying to cover up the E-C?

 

[dougolasjr]

I placed Osmocote plus in the substrate... obviously not deep enough and its leeching out in the water. I am hoping adding more substrate over will alleviate the problem.