what's the proper depth of substrate?

If I remember correctly a good amount is 1". I don't go by that, I just put in as much as I like and tend to do 2.5" on average.

 

i usually bring it slightly higher then the plastic trim around the bottom of the tank

 

i usually go about 2-3 inches with cichlids because they have shovels and live to dig but you are only required 1-1 1/2 inches or 1lb per gallon

 

I normally go for a pound a gallon, more or less depending on if it's planted or not and all that fun stuff.

 

Personally I usually go deeper with gravel and thin with sand. If you do not stir your sand around enough it can get pockets of toxins. I remember reading something about this when I was browsing around for sand depth before. Gravel does not really hold those toxic bubbles, sand though will. The deeper you keep the sand the more likely it will get them.

 

Most say 1", But I've used it prior to the planted tank successfully for years & recommend a Minimum of 2 inches.
A "deep" sand bed should be at least 4 inches in depth. 4 to 6 inches

 

Remember: The more substrate you add the more anaerobic area you have, thus increasing the ability of your tank to convert nitrates to nitrogen. This also is believed to later on increase your chances of increasing hydrogen sulfide in your anaerobic areas. Whatever you do, try to NOT mix different substrate densities and diameters.

 

Informative information about deep sand beds. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/deepsandbeds.htm

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I can't stand "Wet Web Media". They're so bias.

 

ha....what the post is saying is that the deeper the sand is, the more of a chance for the sand to develop a dead area...an unareated area of sand, where nitrates can turn into deadly nitrogen, and kill your fish.

 

Really? I use to read their forums when I had the saltwater tank and found some of the information useful. One of the workers at my LFS store recommended the site to me.

 

Yep. A lot of what I had read on there was personal opinions passed off as 100% fact.

 

lol! yes this exactly! Except I said Hydrogen Sulfide, not Nitrogen! Nitrogen would be ok!

Usually about 2 inches is a good base! Fine oolitic sand is best ! and you can get some good sand siftting critters!

 

True.... in most instances. Robert Fenner (author) though is a great base of knowledge and he (in most cases) will give honest, great advice!