Substrate Mixture

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Dec 19, 2002
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Hey,
I am in the process of getting a new 75 gallon Cichlid tank and I am stuck on the question of substrate. I want somthing sandy that the fish can dig in and looks good, but I don't want it to stir up real easy and I would want to be able to gravel vac it. I'm thinking that I will have a mixture of Pea Gravel and Sand. Will this work? I want my substrate to be about 4 inches deep so I think I will start with mostly pea gravel at the bottom and slowly add more sand as i go up. Any suggestions?
 
Just my preference, but I think a finer substrate looks the best. Most debris will lay on top of the "sand" while large gravel seems to hold particles in it. However, any good suction of a vacuum will work to get rid of debris.
 
I couldn't link to a "Ooops never mind.."...but wanted to see the pics..
 
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IME, the sand all ends up at the bottom.
 
That's what would concern me, the small stuff always settles down and the larger stuff always works its way up. Kinda negative gravity thing.
 
Hey,
That is a real cool looking cichlid tank. I understand what you are saying about the sand sinking below the pea gravel. If i end up using all sand, will I still be able to gravel vac? Also does the sand get stirred up alot?

P.S.
Sorry about the confusion with my screen name
 
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