Question probably a dumb one.....

[mikethedude]

Ok here goes I have purchased a 135 gallon tank for my Oscars..... this tank has crused coral as a substrate.... my question is.... is it ok to use coral with my Oscars...... Ive had these guys awhile and I dont want to take any chances..... any help would be greatly appreciated.......

 

[nano cichlids]

no question is stupid.... and im not sure because i think coral can also be used as a buffer ..........im sure im wrong... i don't see why not but if you don't used crushed coral try pool sand

 

[AnDr3w]

Welcome to AC! Oscars are extremely hardy and will adapt to almost any tank. Although it is not ideal, I'm sure they won't mind.

 

[mikethedude]

in your opinion what would be ideal..... the aquarium they are in now has gravel as a substrate and they are doing the best other than being cramped.... my heart isnt set on the crushed coral(even though it is nice to look at).....

 

[Lupin]

I'd simply ditch the crushed corals. No reason why you need one unless your pH keeps dropping due to low KH (carbonate hardness).

 

[nano cichlids]

id say like lupins said forget Crushed Coral try pool sand or just plain old gravel

 

[mikethedude]

believe I will why take a chance.... thanks guys for being helpful

 

[Pittbull]

yeah i wouldnt use crushed coral in a oscar setup aye, would make the ph to high for it, i try to sustain certain perimeters for fish so that they can live a long life that there suppose to, so for an oscar i would you use plain gravel maybe some woods and a couple of potted plants..

 

[RedScare]

That will be some hard water. South American fish don't usually like hard water.

 

[bushwhacker]

crushed coral is great for africans or salt water fish not for sa or ca cichlids