Freshwater Substrate

I know I have talked to a few about this but I'm not sure what thread it was on and thought I might get some new opinions. So here we go.

I was wondering what kind of substrate would be the best for Dwarf Cichlids. I love the look of black sand so I kind of want to go that route. But I am not sure what brand would work the best. Or also, if you can use sand that is intended for salt water tanks in a freshwater tank. Or if they are treated differently and are unable to work in opposite atmospheres?

What sort of Dwarf cichlids? Do they dig? I used to keep my P. saulosi in a tank with Tahitian Moon Sand. I like the look of it, but it's a bit pricey compared to buying sand at non-pet stores. There is a black blasting sand that some use, but I've read it can be sharp and might not be a good choice for fish that dig or sift sand. I don't have any experience with it, so I can't say for sure.

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I don't have the cichlids yet, nor is the tank set up yet. So that's why I am asking questions now so that I can set it up. I like the looks of your tank! It's only a 30 gallon so the tahitian moon sand would probably work and be alrighty. I just wonder how many pounds I would need to put enough in for my tank.

I can't remember for sure, it's been so long, but I think I used two bags for my 38 gallon. The bags are 20 lbs.

There is a calculator at the bottom of this page that might help you if you know the dimensions of the tank. [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

I put the calculations in and it said for 1.5" deep I should have 38 lbs. So two bags would be enough for me. I had found a site for it somewhat cheap but can't remember what it was now. Hello Google lol

A couple of things about the TMS, this was just my experience... it took a lot of rinsing to get it clean -- I like the sand to be really clean before I add it to the tank, so I don't have any clouding of the water. And I feed NLS which makes the fish poop a light brown/orangish color and it really shows on that black sand.

That's good to know. I think the poop will show on anything unless it's tan or brownish colored. My boyfriend has white in his tank and the poop shows on it too.

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Does this look like the correct sand?

That looks like it. If you are near a Petsmart or Petco, you can go take a look at it before you order any, to make sure it's what you really want.

Some of the other local fish stores also carry a different type of black sand that you can buy in bulk. You might want to check that out also. Maybe someone else can help with this -- I think A Place for Pets and Aquarist World is where I've seen it, but I'm not sure?

Alright Thank you I live about an hour from Petco or Petsmart. But I may be that way on monday.