Substrate depth and type for FH

[4D3]

Oh okay.That seems to be an aceptible range for most cichlids.

Probably will make the PH higher. I use shells in most of my tanks BC the incoming water pH is lower where I live. After a while the shells slowly disappear then I just add more.

Make sure that the pH doesn't get too high in your tank with the crushed coral.

I got told years a go but an old man that had been keeping fish for 60+ years, that it is better to have a naturally buffered tank, he said that diseases have a much harder time coping in alkaline waters, much like the human body.

He also told me that if things are changed slowly over time things like PH dont really make a difference as the fish adapt....I didnt believe what he was saying until he showed me some of the most amazing discus that he had in pH 8.5 water....i couldnt believe they were still alive but they were massive and had the most stunning colours.

 

[brz]

Shells disolve to pretty much nothing after a while.

 

[brz]

I got told years a go but an old man that had been keeping fish for 60+ years, that it is better to have a naturally buffered tank, he said that diseases have a much harder time coping in alkaline waters, much like the human body.

He also told me that if things are changed slowly over time things like PH dont really make a difference as the fish adapt....I didnt believe what he was saying until he showed me some of the most amazing discus that he had in pH 8.5 water....i couldnt believe they were still alive but they were massive and had the most stunning colours.

Agree. That's why I use shells instead of buffering chemicals

 

[4D3]

So,the shells dissolve completely?

shels break down quite fast in comparison, which is why i prefer coral sand, it breaks down so slowly the release of the buffer is much much slower and better for the fish

 

[krichardson]

shels break down quite fast in comparison, which is why i prefer coral sand, it breaks down so slowly the release of the buffer is much much slower and better for the fish

Interesting,I have never had any shells break down and dissolve in my tanks and still have some that I have had for years.I guess it depends on the shell type.

 

[brz]

Sorry lights were out already but this was a whole shell about a year ago.



I'll have to try the crushed coral. Thanks

 

[4D3]

Sorry lights were out already but this was a whole shell about a year ago.
I'll have to try the crushed coral. Thanks

I have had the same 1cm thick layer of crushed coral sand for about 4-5 years! I have just added white granite sand over the top and mixed it through!

Looks awsome, ill post pic later

 

[4D3]

If you look in the bottom left corner, you can see the white granit on top of the slightly yellow crushed coral