Using Oolite Aragonite Sand

[jc102]

Hey guys,

So, I am setting up my new 75 gallon tank. I spent all day yesterday washing the sand and filling the aquarium. I finally got the cloudiness to go away. Now I am just waiting on it to cycle. I added in a bag of Biomax out of an already cycled tank, so I was hoping to put my Sailfin Pleco in the tank soon.

I didn't notice until today that I purchased Marine Aquarium Oolite Aragonite Sand, which apparently buffers pH (according to the label on the bag). I did some reading and found that some Cichlids would do okay with this sand because they can tolerate a higher pH. I want to make this a Cichlid tank, but I'm not sure if the sand will be okay for my Pleco or my Cichlids. I haven't decided on the type of Cichlids that I want, but I've been looking at either Angelfish or African Cichlids.

What are your thoughts?

[flitabout]

For African you will be fine they like hard water SA cichlids like Angels really prefer softer water and might not do well. That said I have successfully kept angels in my liquid rock for the last 5 years.

[jc102]

Originally Posted by flitabout

For African you will be fine they like hard water SA cichlids like Angels really prefer softer water and might not do well. That said I have successfully kept angels in my liquid rock for the last 5 years.

That's good to hear! I will try drip acclimating my pleco before adding him to the tank.

[jc102]

Update: I forgot to update this thread, but I successfully added my pleco and he's been happy ever since! Now I want to switch to a different substrate because I've changed my mind on getting african cichlids. Should I slowly replace the oolite sand with the new substrate? I'm worried that if I remove all of it at once, the pH will fall quickly.

[flitabout]

I have no idea as I have never used that substrate. I would expect that it would change though.