I switched from normal gravel to silica sand years ago, and my tank has been alot more stable and plant growth exceptional since.
Food falls on the sand and can easily be picked up completly by my loaches.
The food doesnt settle into cracks only to rot so fish have a chance to keep the tank clean.
Especially slow eaters like discus.
Plants can easily spread there roots throught the sand to seek nutrients.
As for vacuming the sand, it's heavier than you would think.
I have a gravel vac for my water changes and it normally doesnt pull up any sand unless you hold the tube in the same spot for an extended period of time.
If it does suck up sand, pull the end from the sand and it will fall back out.
Just make sure that you pre rinse the sand.
I bought mine from Totem and it had very little dust to it.
Fill a 5 gallon pail half full and stuff a hose into the bottom of it and let the water flow...
Move the hose around slowly and all the dust will float away in short order.
A buddy of mine bought pool filter sand and it was alot worse for dust and contaminants.
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