cork + dolomite + eco complete cichlid =happy cichilds?

rockhoe14er

rockhoe14er

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Jul 19, 2010
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Sean
Hey guys i'm in the process of trying to find a way to get cork in my african cichlid tank I am still in the testing process of figuring out how much this will lower the pH in my tank.

So in order to keep the cork i am going to need a lot of pH raising substances. Currently my tap water comes out at 8 so i'm good there and i feel if i put dolomite in my sump and use eco complete cichlid or limestone substrate as gravel this should buffer my water enough for the cork to have little effects on my pH.

What do you guys think? any suggestions?

Also is it better to get eco complete cichlid or can i get away with just limestone as my substrate???
 
Do you just like the look of cork? There are all kinds of ways to make caves for cichlids, one popular one is making a grotto (Google diy grotto)
http://www.aquariumlife.net/projects/diy-decoration/7.asp

I'm not sure what you mean by limestone substrate exactly - do you have a brand in mind? That would probably be a white substrate, no? If you're attracted to the look of the Eco Complete cichlid (the chunky, dark substrate) then get it, but I think you pay excessively for the whole "living water" thing it's packed in.

Crushed coral sand or gravel (depending on your preference) would work fine, you could mix it in with a regular substrate like inert sand or gravel. You could get some oyster shell (my Petsmart still sells this as a substrate for marine tanks, their marine section is THAT outdated) and mix it in if you want a chunkier look. Do keep in mind that a pH raising substrate helps some but does not completely eliminate the problem of keeping the water buffered. I think it worked better in the days of undergravel filters, but now without water passing through the substrate, I think it will lose its buffering ability as the tank matures and it gets coated with biofilm. Kind of like an M&M ;)

Aesthetically, cork just doesn't look right in an African cichlid setup, if you ask me. After all, mbuna means "rock fish" so obviously...rocks should be the main feature :) Also, doesn't cork leach tannins? Easy enough to remove with carbon, but still. Cork would be fine for New World cichlids, but not sure about Africans. I would advise against using it, but perhaps others have done so successfully.
 
Fortunately, your pH is high to begin with (perhaps why you got into keeping African cichlids?) so you probably won't have to worry a whole lot about it...but do keep an eye out and buffer the water change water if you have to. There is a DIY recipe for Malawi salt mix that is 1/3 Epsom salt, 1/3 baking soda, and 1/3 marine salt mix which works wonders and is economical as can be.
 
Eco-complete is OK but i like Caribsea a whole lot better, I would advise against cork as well and go for THR.. But hey have fun its your hobby.. Also the marine sands will do a lot better than crushed oyster shell..
 
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