Roxy_Nie

Ok so I went to the pet store and the guy showed me the sand I needed for my new 5 gallon tank. I'm just wanting to make sure it is right. The bag says live sand. It's called Ocean direct caribbean live sand. Is this ok to use in my freshwater setup? I have nothing in this tank yet. Taking it slow and making sure I am doing everything correct.

mathas

That product is an aragonite sand, which will tend to increase the pH and hardness of the water.

Some fish will appreciate that, some won't. What fish were you planning on?

Roxy_Nie

I have no idea...LOL

I was going to let the tank run for a month and have the water checked before I decided. What are some fish that would prefer a high ph level?

mathas

I'll let others answer the specific fish question. I'm not all that familiar with fish that would be suitable for a 5 gallon tank, other than bettas, and sand substrates should be avoided with bettas.

But I would suggest that rather than just "let your tank run for a month," read up on the nitrogen cycle, which your profile says you don't know about. Having your tank properly cycled before you introduce any fish will lead to a much better overall experience for both you and the fish.

Nutter

I cant think of many off the top of my head that would be suitable for a 5gal with high PH. You might be able to have Lamprologus Ocellatus - Ocellated Shell Dweller, from Lake Tankganyika. Gets to about 6cm. Even then I would have my doubts that you could have more than one, if that.

IMO, if you want that sand, get a bigger, much bigger, tank. If you can't have or don't want a bigger tank, forget that sand & get some that is suitable for softwater aquariums so that you could have a small school of tetras or rasboras. If you like plants you will probably have problems with getting them to grow really well in a high PH set up to as most do far better in PH under 7.5.

Roxy_Nie

Thank you for your help. I just took the sand back and got some gravel.

Nutter

Wise move. Make sure you stick to very small fish in your tank & not too many of them.

Do yourself & your fish a favour & read up on the nitrogen cycle as Mathas said previously. It will make life alot easier on you & the fish.

Roxy_Nie

Am in the process of reading it now. Thank you!

aquarist48

Hello Roxy and Welcome to Fish Lore. Keep us updated on your progress. If you have any question concerning the nitrogen cycle by all means let us know. Here is another link you may find helpful:
Four Methods of Fish Less Cycling
Best wishes!
Ken

Roxy_Nie

Thank you Ken!

I am finding many great things to read up on. Things I never knew.

jana

Hi roxy welcome to fishlore.

Roxy_Nie

Thank you Jana....