What Looks Better - Gravel Or Sand For Cichlids

So I was thinking of switching my gravel substrate to sand substrate, and was wondering what usually looks better for African cichlids(gravel vs sand). Also what color would look best for sand, like darker, or lighter? I was thinking of pool filter sand to make it cheaper, would this work?

 

If you're doing african cichlids, go with black sand, it looks great

 

The only problem is that black pool filter sand is not really available. Now I’m kind of thinking of if I should use a white sand for African cichlids or if I should use more like a yellow natural sand. What do you think?

 

I personally don't like pool filter sand since it's possible for it to leach silica in long term use, you could use black diamond blasting sand though, just make sure you check what's in it since some can mess up the water

 

I personally don't like pool filter sand since it's possible for it to leach silica in long term use, you could use black diamond blasting sand though, just make sure you check what's in it since some can mess up the water

Ok, thanks

 

How hard is your water by the way? You could use crushed coral as the substrate like I did

 

How hard is your water by the way? You could use crushed coral as the substrate like I did

I actually don’t know how hard it is, I’ve just never bothered to do it even though I know I should. So just in terms of sand, do you think that super white or tan sand would look better?

 

The darker it is, the more their colors will pop, so in your case, tan

 

The darker it is, the more their colors will pop, so in your case, tan

I’m not trying to go against your preference, but I’m just wondering if the darker colors are better, why do so many you tubers use white substrates instead of tan? Also is this sand good for african cichlids?

 

Well, everything decoration wise is all personal preference, in my experience darker substrates really cause the colors that South African cichlids (and other fish) have to really pop, and be more vibrant. Fish also change slightly to their environment and actually will make themselves brighter against let's say black sand
CaribSea sand is great, if that's what you want to use, go for it

 

Well, everything decoration wise is all personal preference, in my experience darker substrates really cause the colors that South African cichlids (and other fish) have to really pop, and be more vibrant. Fish also change slightly to their environment and actually will make themselves brighter against let's say black sand
CaribSea sand is great, if that's what you want to use, go for it

Thanks, I personally like the white more just because it looks more natural, but that’s just me

 

Then that's what you should get

 

I use pool filter sand in all my tanks I think it looks the most natural

 

Then that's what you should get

Cool . I still hate spending 50 bucks on sand. I guess I shouldn’t have joined the hobby then.

 

Where are you getting it from? How many pounds?

 

I usually get a brand called lighthouse from Leslie pool supply store 40-50lb bag for about $10-15

 

I usually get a brand called lighthouse from Leslie pool supply store 40-50lb bag for about $10-15

I looked it up but couldn’t find it

 

I looked it up but couldn’t find it

Weird cuz I couldn’t either and I even looked on Leslie pool supply but they may have them in store if u happen to have one near me. I haven’t bought a bag in a year or so but I’m planning a new tank and will check their store n let u know

 

Weird cuz I couldn’t either and I even looked on Leslie pool supply but they may have them in store if u happen to have one near me. I haven’t bought a bag in a year or so but I’m planning a new tank and will check their store n let u know

Ok, thanks. I’m actually planning on buying aquaquartz pool filter sand from amazon. It is white so I think it’ll look good with my african cichlids

 

Sand is beautiful in a tank, especially if planted. I recently added black sand and my betta loves it

 

Update: so I ordered the aquaquartz sand on amazon, for some reason it’s supposed to arrive on Tuesday but that’s fine. I’ll send pics of the tank before and after

 

I use aquaquartz sand in my tank below for reference. Over time it'll turn into more of a tannish natural colored sand. Every few months I scoop off the top layer and put a new thin small layer of sand on top to make it look fresh and new again. Just remember this sand has silica, which brown diatom algae love. Brown diatom algae will often form on this sand until it has "eaten" all he silica.

 

I use aquaquartz sand in my tank below for reference. Over time it'll turn into more of a tannish natural colored sand. Every few months I scoop off the top layer and put a new thin small layer of sand on top to make it look fresh and new again. Just remember this sand has silica, which brown diatom algae love. Brown diatom algae will often form on this sand until it has "eaten" all he silica. View attachment 539547

How can I prevent the diatoms? Also how do I get rid of the algae and when will the silica go away? Also how different does it really start looking after a while?

 

This is just my personal experience, could be much different depending on each tank. I'm trying to run medium lighting with a second light that turns on for 3 hours for a "high lighting" boost for some of my more demanding plants. Lighting effects how algae/diatoms grow in each tank. Most newer tanks will go through a diatom algae phase no matter what, mine did when it was newer and the sand would brown pretty quickly. Now that my tank is about 7 months old and more stable the sand doesn't really change at all anymore. So long answer short, depends on each tank. Once a tank is balanced out, which takes time, it won't be an issue.

 

This is just my personal experience, could be much different depending on each tank. I'm trying to run medium lighting with a second light that turns on for 3 hours for a "high lighting" boost for some of my more demanding plants. Lighting effects how algae/diatoms grow in each tank. Most newer tanks will go through a diatom algae phase no matter what, mine did when it was newer and the sand would brown pretty quickly. Now that my tank is about 7 months old and more stable the sand doesn't really change at all anymore. So long answer short, depends on each tank. Once a tank is balanced out, which takes time, it won't be an issue.

Ok, my tank is over a year old, so I’m probably good

 

When I switch substrate, will it kill too much beneficial bacteria?