Best Substrate option

[gabagool]

Hey Everyone,

I have been pondering for about a week now as far as which substrate to use for my tank, and where I would be able to purchase it.

I am setting up a 75 gallon central/south american cichlid tank, and I would like to use sand. I would prefer a lighter color as I think it looks cleaner.

I like this sand, but it may be too light and a bit on the expensive side:
http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCa...d__20lb?&query=substrate&queryType=0&offset=0

On the other hand, it has bacteria already living in the sand, which would mean no rinsing needed, so it would be a lot easier.

I have read about play sand, or pool filter sand, and from what I understand it works well, but needs to be thoroughly rinsed. Any photos of how this looks, and also where to obtain it?

I will not be using live plants, probably just a few pieces of driftwood that will be soaking starting tonight.

Thanks in advance!

 

[gabagool]

anyone have any ideas?

 

[violin33]

i now have water pool sand,i had gravel i think i like the gravel better...good luck

 

[Issack]

check this stuff out.. 28 bucks a 50 lb bag. you can find it at places that have pond supplies. Or pond builders in your area.. Looks awesome in the water.

 

[Deepsouth]

i now have water pool sand,i had gravel i think i like the gravel better...good luck

Why do you like gravel better?

 

[Lepisosteus platyrhincus]

im a sand guy

 

[ozpkchris]

the best substrate is a bare bottom tank, its the easiest to keep up with

 

[heavyhitter]

I like to use diamonds, 4-6 carats.

 

[tcarswell]

Substrate PRO is the best substrate

Although since I can't afford it (as a substrate) I have the same gravel as the guy that posted those pics.

 

[Deepsouth]

The reason that I'm asking is I have a couple of Moba Frontosa coming on Tuesday and I thought about setting up sand substrate for them. I don't know much about fronts, but from what I have read, they like sand.