gravel/substrate

[mtdewlover]

I have a 29G cichlid tank. I'm making it a planted tank. I currently have blue gravel from Walmart. I've been recomended to change over to something other than gravel. I've heard play sand b/c cichlids love it but will they love it so much they dig up plants too? Any recomendations? Other types of sand gravel?

Also, my PH is low and I was going to get some crushed coral. Big Als has some my b/f has, but Pet Smart has some some as well cheaper. But it doesn't look like the coral from Big Als. I didn't know if it would be effective or should I just chip in the extra money and order it offline? I was thinking of keeping some of my blue gravel, (i love blue) and mixing it with the crush coral and some other sand or something would that be good? I'm concerned with root structure among other things.

Thank you!

[djlen]

You don't say how low your pH is or what you want it to be, but a little crushed coral (1-2 tsp.) in a nylon bag in your filter will bring the pH up, especially if you kH is low. Give us some water parameters so we can be more accurate.
Len

[mtdewlover]

My PH is currently 7.2. Was up around 7.8 which was good. My KH is at 3.

[happychem]

The thing about crushed coral that you're interested in is the CaCO3 (Calcium carbonate). For the price, you could just use plain old chalk, or Tums(plain & unflavoured).