Ideal substrate for cichlids?

Leni · July 3rd, 2009

I have a 55g tank that I'm going to put African cichlids in (haven't decided which lake yet), and I'm trying to find a good substrate that has good buffering capabilities but is as inexpensive as possible. I would mind buying a bunch of the Eco-Complete sand, but that's $60 in substrate alone... I read somewhere that pea gravel tends to alter the pH some. The tap water at my house is from a well and is 7.4. What's my best best for a good substrate and buffer without spending a ton of money on it?

Angela_96 · July 3rd, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leni

I have a 55g tank that I'm going to put African cichlids in (haven't decided which lake yet), and I'm trying to find a good substrate that has good buffering capabilities but is as inexpensive as possible. I would mind buying a bunch of the Eco-Complete sand, but that's $60 in substrate alone... I read somewhere that pea gravel tends to alter the PH some. The tap water at my house is from a well and is 7.4. What's my best best for a good substrate and buffer without spending a ton of money on it?

Crushed coral mixed with sand will buffer the water to keep the ph up for cichlids. Also putting in limestone or holy rock will help.
Crushed coral is a lot cheaper than the eco-complete.

Also while you are researching on cichlids heres some good reading material:
For cichlid newbies:How to set up cichlid tanks

Leni · July 3rd, 2009

I saw that link earlier, but thanks for pointing it out again, I probably skimmed over some stuff I shouldn't have when I glanced at it first. How much crushed coral should I put in the tank? Could I get away with putting 20-40 lbs in a sump and using play sand in the main tank for a substrate, or would it be better to put 60-100 lbs of coral in the main tank and using it as the substrate? I want to save money without losing the ability to buffer my PH.

EDIT: Oddly, after shipping costs, it's actually cheaper for me just to buy the Eco-Complete substrate from DFS. That said, I haven't checked with any of my LFSs to see how their pricing is but I suspect it will be cheaper just to order the Eco-Complete from DFS.

rileyrk190 · July 3rd, 2009

great link! thanks for sharing

Angela_96 · July 4th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leni

I saw that link earlier, but thanks for pointing it out again, I probably skimmed over some stuff I shouldn't have when I glanced at it first. How much crushed coral should I put in the tank? Could I get away with putting 20-40 lbs in a sump and using play sand in the main tank for a substrate, or would it be better to put 60-100 lbs of coral in the main tank and using it as the substrate? I want to save money without losing the ability to buffer my PH.

EDIT: Oddly, after shipping costs, it's actually cheaper for me just to buy the Eco-Complete substrate from DFS. That said, I haven't checked with any of my LFSs to see how their pricing is but I suspect it will be cheaper just to order the Eco-Complete from DFS.

If you are going to use a sump then 10lbs woudl be fine.
Or you could use play sand and put 1 bag of coral in and mix it. It doesn't take much to buffer a 55g tank. I am thinking of going with play sand in my 55 that is crushed coral and sand mix, and keep my limestone caves.

Limestone has wonderful buffering capacity, and if you live in an area where its found outside for free its super cheap. All you have to do is scrub it and boil it.

Leni · July 4th, 2009

So if I put 20 lbs of some coral in my sump's refugium, I'll be good to go? I'm intending to use pool filter sand as the tank substrate because it's relatively inexpensive and won't destroy the pump if it gets that far into my filtration system.

Angela_96 · July 4th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leni

So if I put 20 lbs of some coral in my sump's refugium, I'll be good to go? I'm intending to use pool filter sand as the tank substrate because it's relatively inexpensive and won't destroy the pump if it gets that far into my filtration system.

20lbs would be fine... I think the cichlid tanks with sand are really nice! Just make sure you put in loads of caves for the fish to hide in.

Leni · July 4th, 2009

Alright cool. Thanks for the advice Angela. I'll make sure to post some pictures once this is all together - I'm doing the stand and filter DIY (the filter actually has a thread: Building a bucket trickle filter, looking for insight ) so it'll be at least a month before its ready for any fish

Angela_96 · July 4th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leni

Alright cool. Thanks for the advice Angela. I'll make sure to post some pictures once this is all together - I'm doing the stand and filter DIY (the filter actually has a thread: Building a bucket trickle filter, looking for insight ) so it'll be at least a month before its ready for any fish

no prob, unless your tank already is plumbed and has a sump you don't have to have one for FW.. you can put crushed coral in your filter in a media bag.

Leni · July 4th, 2009

I now I don't have to have one, but I'd like one. I'd like to step up to the saltwater game after college, so I'm trying to familiarize myself with some of the concepts now, like overflows and sumps and stuff.

Angela_96 · July 4th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leni

I now I don't have to have one, but I'd like one. I'd like to step up to the saltwater game after college, so I'm trying to familiarize myself with some of the concepts now, like overflows and sumps and stuff.

I didn't know you had already started building plans... They are great to have.. just not a have to.
I think your plans are great. SW is def a whole new world from fw..

zowie717 · July 4th, 2009

I got argonatie and crushed coral . I like the combination as right now they love to play in the sand and dig it out to make there own caves. with the crushed coral side they move it around but dont really do much with it and seem to love the argonatie much much better.
only think i recommend is putting down a layer of foam for your rocks if you go with cichlids as mine love them and you want your tank to be able to support the weight of rock and all the subtratse as they dig it out. since i have put my new substrate in my ph has gone up and i also have a combination of holy rock, and others in the tank. just took my 3 substatre changes and I had eco complete before......hated it!

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