African Cichlid mix substrate for tropical community - no cichlids.

[chral513]

Hey everyone,

I was recently given an old 55 gallon tank - it's an awesome upgrade to my current set up.

At my LFS - I asked about new substrate b/c i wanted something smaller then average gravel so my dojo loaches could burrow easily. The guy sold me on the african cichlid mix (caribsea). He assured me that my county's water was a ph around 7.6-7.8 and that this substrate wouldn't have any effect in raising pH b/c my pH is already high.

I believed him and now that I'm getting ready to set up the tank - I dunno if I should us it or not. Does anyone know about this natural buffering pH raising substrate? I know loaches are ok in a wide range of pH, but I have no cichlids and would be worried about everyone else. I've had fish for three years now and aside from a loach who broke it's neck and i had to euthanize, I've never lost a single fish. I haven't had many problems so I never regulated or really worried about pH before.

I have a pleco, 2 loaches, 5 glofish and about 12 baby/toddler guppies currently in my tank that would eventually be moved to the tank with the African Cichlid Mix substrate.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

[Mogurako]

That sand will send you ph up to a range of 8.4-8.6 and hold it there. I bought some and added it to my tank and was shocked when my 6.6-6.8 tap water went up that high. If you are not adding African cichlids there is no need to spend the money on this product.

[chral513]

**** - that high? Yeah forget it. Any suggestions how I should go? Pool filter sand seems to be a cheap and popular choice...

[Fishguy2727]

I only use and recommend Estes' Ultra Reef (now called stoney river or something since it isn't a true marine substrate). It is uniform and perfect in size, has color options, and looks great.

[Mogurako]

Originally Posted by chral513

**** - that high? Yeah forget it. Any suggestions how I should go? Pool filter sand seems to be a cheap and popular choice...

Yep that high I confirmed this with members of an african forum who used it and they got the same results.