Sand or No Sand

[Romona]

I just put my African cichlids in they're new tank. They are now out of quarantine. Do they have to have sand or will the rocks work?

 

[JK47]

Rocks are just fine. Sometimes people use argonite or other coral based sand to buffer up pH. If that’s not an issue rocks work

 

[Itsadeepbluesea]

I don't think it would be absolutely necessary. They should do fine without.

 

[Romona]

Thanks. The PH is 7.4. I think it's a little low. Should I put crushed coral in the filter?

 

[duanes]

If your pH drops appreciably between water changes, then the aragonite would probably benefit the tank, as would more frequent water changes. But if the alkalinity of you water change water is sufficient to buffer the fish urine they produce, then you may not need it.
It looks like the tank is lightly stocked at the moment, so until they grow to almost adults, (as long as you don't overstock in between) you may not need extra buffering.

 

[Romona]

2 drops on gh and 3 on the kh test.