parachromis substrate

[infamous]

I'm planning on getting a few jags and motas in my 125G and just wondering what kinda substrate would be best for these guys as far as both functionally and looks goes. which colors would show off the colors of these species the best?
i was thinking either very small natural gravel such as river rock or a lighter colored sand.
Let's hear some suggestions!
thanks in advance.

 

[Angler]

I think their colors would look great with a light colored sand. Cichlids also like to dig, and I think they probably prefer sand.

 

[weedamese]

I use a black background + darker gravel for mine. I've used white sand and black sand before. It didnt work out so well for me because sand get into your filters. These species are earth movers they love to dig and redecorate the tank infact thats all they do. So if you choose sand be careful.

 

[infamous]

so then maybe sand wouldn't be the best idea. how does sand do with canister filters?

 

[weedamese]

my canisters were filled with nothing but sand to a point where the propellers stopped working. My jags from experience would dig the sand and spit out the sand and the sand would get sucked into the canister there is never a day that I dont see my jags digging. So just becareful Ive also tried cutting the filter tube shorter and that didnt work either.

 

[Angler]

What kind of sand did you have weedamese?

Sand is just fine with canister filters. Just stay away from playsand. I had playsand a while ago that killed my Aquaclear filters. Get a heavier sand like pool filter sand or 3m Colorquartz. It is heavier, and even with digging fish, it will be fine. I have 3m colorquartz in my 55 with a Flowerhorn who loves to dig, and an XP3 and Emperor 280 with no problems. I have the same kind of sand in my 125 with an XP3 and 2 Emperor 400s with a cichlid who likes to dig, once again with no problems. Some sand shows up in the XP3s, but it has no negative affect on them.

 

[weedamese]

What kind of sand did you have weedamese?

Sand is just fine with canister filters. Just stay away from playsand. I had playsand a while ago that killed my Aquaclear filters. Get a heavier sand like pool filter sand or 3m Colorquartz. It is heavier, and even with digging fish, it will be fine. I have 3m colorquartz in my 55 with a Flowerhorn who loves to dig, and an XP3 and Emperor 280 with no problems. I have the same kind of sand in my 125 with an XP3 and 2 Emperor 400s with a cichlid who likes to dig, once again with no problems. Some sand shows up in the XP3s, but it has no negative affect on them.

Yea I used play sand and as for black sand I don't remember but it was really small. Maybe thats my problem. But if I had a choice to do it all over again I would go with a bare bottom painted black + blackground easier to clean and large rocks for decoration

 

[infamous]

okay perfect, thanks for the responses!
now, how much sand will i need to fill a 60"X18" footprint

 

[Krennen]

I used about 100lbs to fill mine with the same footprint.

 

[balton777]

What kind of sand did you have weedamese?

Sand is just fine with canister filters. Just stay away from playsand. I had playsand a while ago that killed my Aquaclear filters. Get a heavier sand like pool filter sand or 3m Colorquartz. It is heavier, and even with digging fish, it will be fine. I have 3m colorquartz in my 55 with a Flowerhorn who loves to dig, and an XP3 and Emperor 280 with no problems. I have the same kind of sand in my 125 with an XP3 and 2 Emperor 400s with a cichlid who likes to dig, once again with no problems. Some sand shows up in the XP3s, but it has no negative affect on them.

I agree and I like sand so much better than gravel.