what kind of subtrate for peacock cichlids?

[grannylvsfish]

I do not want to deal with sand if I do not have to. is regular black gravel ok? somewhere it says argonite.... not sure what that is and if my HOB's will be with it. I also do not want to do sand because I love cleaning the bottoms of my tanks and I hear sand is a pain.

 

[Nolapete]

I wouldn't use any type of coated gravel. Any of the Carib Sea supernaturals are great.

http://www.caribsea.com/pages/products/super_nat.html The Kon Tiki would be my choice.

 

[Coler]

You can use play sand. A lot of people like something which will buffer Ph up - I like smooth crushed coral myself (not the kind with sharp shelly bits in it - they like to substrate sift).

Black sand can be visually stunning with these fish - really pops em. There are lots of choices there too.

Either way, make sure it is something smooth and siftable - not large grain gravel in other words, as they do like to dig around.

 

[AfroCichlid]

Gravel is fine. What do you mean when you say you don't want to have to deal with sand? I've found sand to be easier to maintain than gravel and my nitrate levels have dropped since I don't have waste building up in the substrate anymore. If it's simply a maintenance issue I'd go with the sand.

 

[grannylvsfish]

my ph is pretty high in the first place, i was looking at very fine gravel.... http://www.petstore.com/ps_ViewItem-idProduct-CS0832.html

cleaning is not an issue, my subtrate are always well maintained. but I use HBO's so do not want to ruin my filters. and I love the look of fine gravel

 

[Coler]

What's your Ph from the tap ? You might be better off with a buffering gravel to maintain it up around the mid 7's or slightly higher if possible.