Need opinions- substrate color for jag?

[biguebs]

So I’ve officially come to the end of my black sand substrate experience. It’s getting kicked up into the filters and creating havoc there, and I can’t use the trusty python changer because the sand is coming up and out with the water. Sooo I want to go back to gravel in my gold jags 125.

I was going to just get some black gravel from LFS and call it a day but I stumbled across a few posts saying folks thought it made their jags trend too dark.What’s the consensus- black or a lighter neutral natural color?

Picture for reference to fish color. 125 with the gold jag and a common pleco. Background painted black, minimalist decor currently (he does have a hide, otherwise giving as much open space as possible).

 

[___James___]

A lighter color substrate would likely cause him to lighten up a little but not by much. He will get a darker gold with black substrate. I think it boils down to preference for the most part id personally stick with the black.

 

[Deadeye]

Your jag looks great with the black sand, so my vote goes to black (or dark brown) gravel.

 

[Gunfleet]

why don't you mix up your own black / brown with light brown highlights combination? I have done that with a light tan large grade sand, dark color flourite and small grade river gravel (60/25/15) to make a more natural looking river bottom.

 

[Joshuakahan]

So I’ve officially come to the end of my black sand substrate experience. It’s getting kicked up into the filters and creating havoc there, and I can’t use the trusty python changer because the sand is coming up and out with the water. Sooo I want to go back to gravel in my gold jags 125.

I was going to just get some black gravel from LFS and call it a day but I stumbled across a few posts saying folks thought it made their jags trend too dark.What’s the consensus- black or a lighter neutral natural color?

Picture for reference to fish color. 125 with the gold jag and a common pleco. Background painted black, minimalist decor currently (he does have a hide, otherwise giving as much open space as possible).

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I would suggest 70% black with 30% natural color, here’s a pic of mine, it’s sand but you could do the same color with gravel. It’s dark enough to the fish from having washed out color

 

[Rass]

I just started mixing lapis luster sand from home depot in with my Black Diamond blasting sand and I'm really liking it so far. A python with a longer tube should prevent the sand from coming out for the most part.

 

[Rocksor]

3parts pool filter sand 1 part black sand like yours

my former jag ~6-7” on that sand mix

 

[biguebs]

Appreciate the input all! I decided I want to go with something a little more natural over the black. Picked up some smaller river rock style substrate that is kind of a light to medium brown. Will post pictures when i get it done.

 

[biguebs]

Alright so i finally had a little time and got the jag tank re-worked. Need to scrape the glass yet but the tank is a bit rough overall anyway (got it for $75 from a guy, i can live with a few minor cosmetic issues)... and apologize for the reflection from the Oscars 125. Definitely think it’s a big improvement- thanks again for input all.

 

[Backfromthedead]

Alright so i finally had a little time and got the jag tank re-worked. Need to scrape the glass yet but the tank is a bit rough overall anyway (got it for $75 from a guy, i can live with a few minor cosmetic issues)... and apologize for the reflection from the Oscars 125. Definitely think it’s a big improvement- thanks again for input all.

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Thats a nice jag.