▷ Waterfall in Aquarium / Sand Waterfall | All information and details

What is a sandfall or waterfall in the aquarium?

Water and sand are constantly carried along, the sand falls down from above. Normally nothing can fall out if the construction has been installed correctly.

If you value a beautiful aquarium, you can realize this project with the sand fall and waterfall and at the same time make a practical purchase.

© Jochen Kröger / Wasserfall Aquarium – Sand waterfall

Filter and decoration in the aquarium

This combination is included in one device for aquariums from 20 to a maximum of 200 liters. The filter can be accommodated flexibly. Due to the three-stage filtering, odors and dirt are removed and water discolouration is prevented. The now clean water flows back into the pool at the front as a decorative waterfall. Other advantages are:

It must be harmless manufacturer materials, such as synthetic resin, which must not have any influence on the water quality. A sandfall or waterfall is ideal as an aquarium decoration, as this product also ensures optimal filtering.

Some factors to consider when purchasing a sandfall

The optics are to be considered in the aquarium. The waterfall and sandfall are functional, but at the same time the focal point of the aquarium due to their individual design. What functions and properties should the sandfall contain.

The scope of delivery includes the following elements:

• an air hose
• check valve
• quartz sand
• air pump

Advantages

The self-made sand fall can be individually designed by the user. The landscape that belongs to the waterfall and sand fall can be constructed at your own discretion.

The purchased sand case is usually more expensive, but adapted to the respective aquarium. The sandfall is always the eye-catcher and the center of the aquarium; he looks amazing.

Disadvantages

A disadvantage is that the self-built sand fall cannot be manufactured exactly according to the instructions. There are too many different aquarium landscapes that make any changes necessary. The hobby craftsman often has to make changes, drill more holes, put a plate here, etc.

How to build a sandfall – what is needed

Quartz sand and the tub made of stones are necessary. Foam leftovers are ideal for sealing. The workflows:

Another variant:
are necessary

The PVC pipe needs to be cut. A hole is drilled in the top of one elbow to fit the air tube. The hose goes through this hole. The air stone is attached to the end of the hose with the other elbow.

The required pump is ready for operation. The air hose attaches to the pump and is submerged under the water while the top half of the elbow should be out of the water. The water flows, the sand that is in the bowl must flow in the right direction. The water bowl should have an edge to prevent the sand from being scattered haphazardly. If the waterfall is to be placed in the middle, it makes sense to cut it in half.

Colored sand can be chosen to give the aquarium a special look. An elbow with a wider opening at the bottom provides better flow.

The simple waterfall, yet effective

A long plastic pipe is required for the connection in the water, as well as a shorter and very short pipe that is cut to fit. The short tube is glued to the top of the long tube at right angles with the hot glue gun.

The kink is necessary to pass the air hose that connects to the pump. The medium-short tube is glued to the long tube at the bottom in a rectangular shape, with the required opening for the hose. The spaces between the gaps are sealed, the openings are exactly the right size for the air hose.

The system is well thought out; at the lower end of the pipe, the sand, it can also be gravel, is sucked up and pushed upwards. A small piece of lead is also attached to the long lower end of the tube to ensure a secure hold. The device is tested and works in most cases. Plants and stones create a natural impression. The right pressure from bottom to top is important.

Basically to be observed

The sand waterfall is meant to look beautiful, but it is often a air lift principle. The sand must be transported evenly. This is only possible if there is a vent hole at the top of the tube. The upper part is at a 180 degree angle towards the sand, just under the water surface.

The pipe remaining in the sand is to be sawn at a 45 degree angle. The air hose must be connected here. The air bubbles create the necessary vacuum, and the sand shoots upwards. A small plate near the vent slows down the sand if it shoots up too fast. Five elements are decisive as to how the Sandfall waterfall must be designed:

Ways to set up the sandfall

Many users shy away as there are some risks and questions to consider:

Of course, these defects can occur if the do-it-yourselfer has not worked carefully, the requirements did not match the instructions, etc. However, the sandfalls generally work excellently, whether they are home-made or purchased from a shop.

Those who do not see these risks as an obstacle can set up the sand fall themselves. However, the design depends on the size of the aquarium and the possibilities. Not every guide automatically guarantees success. The air pump, the nature of the sand, the species of fish are elements that must be taken into account. Appropriate advice can of course be obtained through specialist advice and the Internet.

However, the hobby builder often has to make changes and can never blindly rely on the instructions. Often the effect is the appearance of a waterfall when in reality it is fine sand. Fantastic effects are elicited; If you install a waterfall or sand trap, you can transform the aquarium into a living room highlight.

The natural waterfall

This original waterfall can be made by yourself. Air bubbles are created behind the wall using a tube; the air bubbles pull water and not grains of sand up on an inclined container. The grains of sand reach another opening and push out through it with the water, falling back down the front of the wall. Of course, very fine sand must be used. Small currents in the aquarium affect the direction the sand must take. The difficulty is getting the sand to properly escape from the top of the bubble column. Special alternatives are tested.

Internal filter with waterfall

This is a practical solution, but it doesn’t allow for many flexible options. This waterfall is ideal for aquariums with a volume of up to 60 litres. The surface movement is adequate for oxygenation and also ensures excellent water circulation. The included filter fleece guarantees optimal filtering and scores with longevity. Cleaning is easy, rinsing in cold water is enough. The positive qualities to consider are:
• space-saving,
• the oxygen enrichment happens automatically,
• mechanical and chemical filtration is carried out,
• the low energy consumption still enables the high flow rate,
• Attachment is easy using hanging clips and suction cups.

The aquarium waterfall bio-filter is attractive to many consumers. The product is known as a backpack filter that is simply hung on the edge of the pool. Hoses, which are part of the scope of delivery, are optimally used. The water circulation and the easy installation are plus points. The filter can be exchanged without any problems.

Conclusion:

As can be seen for the beginner, the sand fall or waterfall makes sense for every aquarium. The connection with the pump, the air hose ensures the efficient use. Many users are convinced of the sand fall, because the design and shape of the sand waterfall is left to the aquarium lover. The products offered are excellent and, moreover, easy to install. It is crucial which fish are in the aquarium. Some fish like to dig and will eventually «undermine» the waterfall. The user should therefore seek advice beforehand in order to buy the right products or to make them yourself. The sandfall is not only used for decoration, but with the…