Prefered Malawi Cichlid Substrate

[immortality6000]

Post your preference

 

[krichardson]

I've always used crushed coral but some Africans live in sandy areas which I have also used.

 

[snyder810]

pool filter sand

 

[swede]

I use a combination of natural colored sand on top and crushed coral beneath that. I must say that the sand makes it more entertaining since the fish will dig their own territories out. they also will sift through the sand to try to eat any uneaten scraps. one thing I regret is that I bought play sand to try to save money when I set the tank up and I really wish I went with pool sand. The play sand cannot be rinsed enough and months later, I still have clouding after WC b/c the particles in the play sand are so fine. Spend the extra money for pool filter sand since it doesn't cause this problem

 

[RDTigger]

I use a combination of natural colored sand on top and crushed coral beneath that. I must say that the sand makes it more entertaining since the fish will dig their own territories out. they also will sift through the sand to try to eat any uneaten scraps. one thing I regret is that I bought play sand to try to save money when I set the tank up and I really wish I went with pool sand. The play sand cannot be rinsed enough and months later, I still have clouding after WC b/c the particles in the play sand are so fine. Spend the extra money for pool filter sand since it doesn't cause this problem

I am in this quandry too...

It was mentioned to me that sakrete, if she said it right, works well. It is supposed to have the consistency of mud in water. No evidence for me yet. Just curious what people have tried...

 

[Pharaoh]

Pool Filter Sand

 

[kingyella]

caribsea white moonlight sand- i do not recommend this to anyone, its too fine, and when fish kick it up it takes forever to settle.

3m colorquartz (s grade)- great stuff

 

[gt1009]

I have gravel in one of my malawi tanks, but I really like sand better for them. On that note though, they still sift through the gravel plenty, enough that at night you hear them doing it.

 

[TRENT]

Pool filter sand and Crushed Coral mixed.

 

[oshp132]

Rainbow colored gravel..........

Just kiddin', mine is a very fine, very light colored (Tannish, white) gravel.....Almost like sand.