I need to find a black substrate of some kind......

[dvanv]

I like PFS for substrate but now I am looking for some black substrate for a species cherry shrimp tank. Anyone have some suggestions on something they have used? I don't like the tank black gravel which seems to be coated. Has anyone use 3M Crystal Quartz?

 

[SparKy697]

For my taste I like Eco Complete. For a finer grain I have used Tahitian moon sand. It's fine like PFS and has a little sparkle to it. Not so much that it looks shiny though.

 

[Hara]

not sure how big a size you are looking for, but would black lava rock work?

 

[BillD]

If you want sand, look for Black Beauty Blasting sand. It is made from coal slag, but is apparently safe for aquariums. It will be much cheaper than aquarium specific products.

 

[dvanv]

I thought Tahitian Moon Sand was finer than PFS and would move around the tank from the pressure of the output of my AC30.

 

[Hara]

tahitian moon sand is in my 175 bowfront..after the sand saturates, it will be ok. Saltwater tanks have a lot more flow then fresh tanks as a general rule and it does fine in there.

 

[gheitman]

If there are going to be any plants in this tank then I agree with SparKy697, Eco-Complete would work very well.

 

[dvanv]

Thanks for all the help. I will look into both options.

 

[O ALX O]

I use the 3m colorquartz and it is great. Much cheaper than any aquarium specific substrate.

 

[Marconis]

I use Tahitian Moon and like it a lot.

 

[greenfish]

Seachem just came out with Flourite Black and Flourite Black Sand. I am not sure how many stores are carrying it yet but I wanted to mention it as an option.

 

[gheitman]

Seachem also has Onyx Sand but that is actually gray in color despite what it may look like on the web. I used it in one tank and have been happy with it but now prefer Eco-Complete for any new planted tanks I set up.