substrate

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
R

rhinod56

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
May 2, 2006
618
2
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Illinois
Generall speaking what kind of substrate is preferred and why?
 
a pH raising sand. African cichlids like high pH 8.0-9.5 depending on type. and sand is always better. cruched coral is an alternative but its sharp and can cut a fish mouth while they are digging or breeding. i used ECO complete cichlid sand. nice white/black mix and it keeps my pH 8.0
 
I second the pool sand. Much better than the cloudy play sand (and only ~6 bucks more per bag.) They seem to enjoy sand more than say smaller rocks with shells though after a while different looking tanks is nice.
 
yea, I have flourite, and black small gravel left over from other tanks, but also have some pool filter sand from changing my pool filters sand this summer. new tank, just trying to debate...
 
oh yea, gonna make a it a community (or try) but already have some mbuna to add once its cycled. also same general idea w/sand vs gravel. 1lb per 1gal?
 
It think your substrate is really a personal choice. Of course if you have a show tank you will want some type of sand or gravel for that finished off look. But the fish don't care, the majority will do fine without it, it is just if you get into working with some of the feather fins, or shell dwellers you may need it to get them to spawn.

Everyones water is different, if your water if fine, than its not an issue. But if you do need to boost your pH a substrate is an excellent way to do it, that way you don't have to add buffer/ph booster, etc. each time you change your water, because your substrate will take care of it for you.

The best place to buy your substrate is it the gravel store or landscape store. Most have jars with samples and you can pick the one you like best!

Cichlid Power!
Pam
 
would golfball size or so rocks work well? I"m doing sand right now, but also thought about small rocks like that
 
For sure, everything in the world is going to get stuck down there, and it is going to be a bummer to keep clean.

Also I am not sure what you are keeping in there, but this is Monster Fish Keepers.com, and most big fish have no problem picking up big pieces of gravel and spitting them on the glass. This can be not only annoying!! But scary if you have a glass tank, and can scratch up an acrylic tank.

Cichlid Power!
Pam
 
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