Habitat - Indoor :: Large grain sand/tiny gravel?

[shi000]

I'm looking to create a more natural looking environment for my turtle. River rocks are too much a pain in the butt to clean, and I know gravel is potentially dangerous. I read the very informative sand thread already, but I have some concerns about maintenance. Won't using a siphon to vacuum up the debris also suck up sand? I'm also concerned about sand getting into my filter if it's kicked up. What about using a very large grained sand/very small gravel?

I found this substrate online:

CaribSea Instant Aquarium Freshwater Substrates
in Peace River
Average Small Grain Size: 1.0 mm
Average Large Grain Size: 2.0 mm

and Torpedo Beach
Average Small Grain Size: 0.2 mm
Average Large Grain Size: 1.2 mm

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... atid=21412

I think the larger, heavier grains would settle more quickly and be easier to clean and maintain, but is it still safe for the turtle?

[ljapa]

I use pool filter sand, which is a pretty big grain sand. I think it is 25#, which I think is about .7mm.

I have no problems with it in the filter, and only occasional issues with some of it getting siphoned up. When vacuuming, I can skim the surface and not disturb sand at all. If I vacuum the substate, a few grains end up in the siphon tube, but it doesn't stir up enough for the filter to suck any in.

I don't know if 2.0mm would be too large, but my gut says not.

I think with 0.2, you will end up with some in the filter.

[steve]

One thing to add... if you notice your turtle consuming a large amount of it, then you will want to take it out. Each turtle is different, and I think many will try to eat some at first but then give up.

[Kansasslider]

There are several videos about cleaning sand on YouTube.