Substrate Suggestions (New Tank)

[JazzyB]

Hi all,

I'm looking for some suggestions on choosing a substrate that would work with Vals, Amazon Sword and Anubias. 90% of the time I usually use sand but was wondering if sand would be a helpful substrate for the plants mentionned above?

I'm in the middle of putting together my dwarf cichlid tank and am left with really this substrate question. Everything is essentially ready with driftwood, rock, plants, etc. Would also like some "cheap" lighting tips.

Almost forgot the tank parameters:
Tank: 42G (36x18x15)
Filtration: Magnum 350 w/biowheel; AquaClear 150
Decor: driftwood, rock
Fish: Dwarf cichlids

Thanks,

JazzyB

 

[deocder]

Sand is not the best substrates for plants when used alone. I have heard of people mixing sand with the various substrates like Flourite, Onyx sand, etc... Onyx sand may be a good choice by itself. It's black and small in size and great for plants. I use it in my 10 gallon.

Maybe some more people could offer suggestions for your setup based on the fish. I do not have experience with Dwarf Cichlids...

 

[SnakeIce]

a couple of the substrates for plants buffer the water abit and if you are wanting to breed your dwarfs that is not the best situation. I haven't looked at the options in a while so don't remember which ones do

 

[plantbrain]

MPV turface and sand would work and be cheap. Or Flourite.

Add a little peat(2 good handfuls) and some mulm from an established tank or save the mulm you have in the tank and leave it in there. Mulm is the dirt that you get when you gravel vacuum.

Add these two things to the bottom of the tank, then cap with the two suggestions above.

For cheap DIY lights: see T-8 lighting. PC's are not that much and if you go for 2 w/gal, you;ll be fine.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[Robert H]

Most sand is made from crushed coral or clamshell, which will raise your pH. Sand also compacts together like a rock unless it is a very course sand. Sand by itself offers no minerals or other nutrients for plants. What people commonly use is a clay gravel that provides iron and other minerals.