Is Carib Sea Rift Lake Authentic worth it or is it just better to go with some sand? What substrate do you recommend for an african cichlid tank? I just purchased a 240G tank in which I plan to put Malawi Cichlids. I was trying to decide on which substrate to use.
Best Substrate for a Malawi Tank
- Thread starter SailFin
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I Use a prepared cichlid sand for two reasons.
1. It buffers the water (of course crushed coral/argonite will do this too)
2. I like the heterogeneous look (Mine is a mix of black and white) over pool filter/play sand.
If neither of those is a concern, then no it ain't worth it.
1. It buffers the water (of course crushed coral/argonite will do this too)
2. I like the heterogeneous look (Mine is a mix of black and white) over pool filter/play sand.
If neither of those is a concern, then no it ain't worth it.
Seachem sent me samples of these: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=8119&N=2004+113553
I like the Silver Shores, Pearl Beach, Kona Beach and Meridian.
You can find out more at the Tidal Marine section that's here: http://www.seachem.com/products/gravels.html
I like the Silver Shores, Pearl Beach, Kona Beach and Meridian.
You can find out more at the Tidal Marine section that's here: http://www.seachem.com/products/gravels.html
I would go to a store that sells stones and they have eather silica or a fine white gravle which is about 1cm in size it is easer to clean than sand but the cichlid can still dig holes if they want they are both bery affordable about 5 dollars for 50 lbs you can also buy your rocks for your tank at the same
I use black gravel substrate, the combination of this, black background and great lighting really make the color of the fish stick out.
I use crushed coral gravel and aragonite sand in my setups. Although I do like the looks of the black & white cichlid sand as well. All will help buffer your water to help maintain your pH.