Help me choose substrate.

[Chrisk-K]

I plan to set up a Malawian cichlid tank and the choice of substrate is giving me the biggest headache. BTW, I've decided NOT to use pool filter sand or playground sand.

My requirements are:

1. Light-color such as "tan" or "beige." I don't want black (already have balck substrate in a 40g tank) or pure white.
2. Round shape. I don't want to deal with relatively sharp substrate like the Seachem onyx.
3. Grain size between 1-3mm so that I don't have to worry about floating sand debris' destroying my filters and scratching my tank.

Can you point me to the right direction?

 

[blue2fyre]

So why are you not using playsand or pool filter sand?

They really are the best options for what you are looking for. Pool sand is probably a bit better than play sand.

 

[joel.uejio]

So why are you not using playsand or pool filter sand?

They really are the best options for what you are looking for. Pool sand is probably a bit better than play sand.

:iagree: It sounds like pool filter sand is exactly what you're looking for.

 

[Chrisk-K]

Turface looks VERY interesting.

 

[Coler]

I'd suggest crushed coral - ticks all the boxes (not the sharp stuff with oyster shell and what not in it - you can get a really nice smooth grain)

 

[glenngreen]

CaribSea's Peace River. My new favorite. Dr Foster 'n Smith is carrying it now, too. 1-2mm, round, and very natural looking. I don't think I will ever use anything else. Its that good.

 

[67chevelle]

Use regular pea gravel you can buy at a home improvement store.You can get a 25 pound bag for $3 or $4. It doesn't look so hot in the bag,but rinse it off and it looks like any natural gravel you can buy at a pet store,because it is the same thing at 3/4 the price . You can even get different sizes of it.

 

[Arturo]

I use pool filter sand, it looks natural, easy to clean.

 

[dugward]

coral reef mixed with bigger gravel

I have the white coral reef which is small and the malawi's seem to love it as they can really dig and move it around nicely.

The bigger gravel is a nice contrast, white mixed in with brown, and gives them something a little bigger to move, they build some really nice nests though in my 55 g

 

[dugward]

also the coral reef adds a bit hardness to the water which they like