replacing gravel

Question
I have 2 baby Red Parrots and chinese scker fish in a highboy tank, and wanted to know if sand is a good idea. My fish eat pellets and like to let them sink to the bottom and eat them off the gravel would sand harm them if they ate a litte every day? Do I need more than a biofillter to clean the water? I am looking into coarse sand. Can I get it at a hardware store? How would I clean it? Whats the best way to take the gravel out? What is the best kind of wood to put in the water? What about rocks where is the best place and cheapest place to get them to make caves?

Answer
Hi Libby,
Thank you for your letter. I suggest that you stick with the rocks available at the aquarium supply shop.
If you use sand from a Home Depot or garden shop, it might contain dirt that would pollute the tank.
Salt water tanks sometimes have sand bottoms, but that also comes from the aquarium shop.
A biofilter is a good choice, but if you already have a filter system, there's no need to replace it.
You can get wood and rocks from the aquarium shop also. If you buy anything from a garden shop, soak it in clean water for a few days and wash it off with the hose, then let it dry before you add it to the tank.
For feeding, water additives, and holistic aquarium care, please refer to my page:
http://steamboats.com/aquarium.html
Write back if you want to discuss further,
Nori