Fish Addict

I am going to try to set up my shellie tank today. In it I am using fine African cichlid sand. Is there anything I should do before I put it in? I'm afraid of washing it for two reasons:
1. It's very fine so it could wash away with the water and
2. I'm afraid it might wash away the chemicals in it

Ps if anyone has it, can you explain how it differs from regular sand? I'm still a little confused...

cichlidsmad

it could have specific things it does like keeps pH high and hardness etc but ive never used it.

Shawnie

eco complete makes a great one which contains aragonite and other minerals that they require...im not sure the brand you got but no you dont rinse it ..it will be cloudy for a few days but it goes away..it acts as a natural buffer for the higher ph required...do shellies require a higher ph? if not, you can just use pool filter sand

Butterfly

Which Cichlid Sand did you get?
I have CaribSea 's Sahara Sand. It is black and white. I's not real fine though.
Carol

Fish Addict

I got CaribSea's Cichlid sand, not sure whether or not its the same as the sahara sand, though it is black and white and fairly fine.

Butterfly

Sahara sand is cichlid sand but mine isn't super fine. the multies really love it.
carol

Fish Addict

Okay thats awesome then! The tank is looking pretty good in my opinion. Here's a pic of the tank:

Attached Images

IMG_3144.jpg (119.4 KB, 31 views)

Butterfly

Looking good!!! Yep tht's like my sand
Carol

Angela_96

Beatiful... any agronite based sand is great for the rift lake guys.
I def agree with the above about just letting it be cloudy for a few days, I did that with all my sands/crushed corals even my florite for my planted tank.

Fish Addict

Thanks. Also, I have a question, I know I've seen stuff about some sands that come with bacteria to help cycling, is that the case with this, or do I just cycle the same as with any other substrate?

Angela_96

I would just watch your chemistry for a few days and see, maybe use some filter media from an other tank?