Substrate for african cichlids

[adwebster123]

getting ready to set up a 100G African tank. What are people using for a substrate these days? I'm planning on a few plants as well - anubias and Java Fern

 

[dudley]

Cheap option would be pool filter sand though the colors vary from tan to white depending on brand and location.

 

[strat1127]

I've been using Caribsea African Cichlid Mix for years . They have several color and size options and all have a large portion of crushed coral in the mix to help buffer. It keeps my mbuna tank at 7.8 without any additives.

 

[Sprinkle]

Or just sand

 

[Wyomingite]

I've always used pool filter or play sand, but I've always had hard water as well. If you have soft or acidic water, crushed coral/aragonite, oyster shell or dolomite gravel or sand may help buffer the water to maintain pH once you get the water up to the right pH. Regardless of what you choose, make sure you rinse it thoroughly before use.

WYite

 

[FreshyFresh]

I personally like very fine grained gravel. So fine that the next step smaller would be sand. You can usually find it in natural color or white tones.