Substrate Help....

[llee24]

I want to know which substate is good for African Cichlids and will maintain the PH level. I prefer "black" substrate, but i was told that Eco-Complete Cichlid Substrate is best for cichilds, but they don't have it in "black".

The Tropic Isle Tahitian Moon Sand is black enough for me, but it is not as good as eco-complete chiclid substrate. Please tell me howi can get black substrate that can maintain the PH level.

Also is gravel better or sand better?

[tre8160]

You basically want an agronite substrate to maintain the high pH here's a link to something very similar to the thitian moon sand but will buffer the water and maintain a high pH http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=8119&inm=1&N=2004+113553+2032 the grey coast is what you want if your looking for something that looks like moon sand.

[Cichlid Guy]

I have 2 Cichlid tanks and I really like using crushed coral in mine.I realize it isn`t black, but my fish love it.

[Slappy*McFish]

The eco-complete cichlid substrate is already fairly dark and looks really good, IMO...you could just mix it 50/50 with some black gravel to darken it a bit more.

[llee24]

That is very helpful.