Substrate for SA dwarf cichlids?

Monk3y God · 12-21-2012, 09:20 PM

I am looking for a new home for my little cichlids. They currently reside in my community tank with EC, but I want something a little more natural for them.

I have a 20L tank waiting for them but I want to add some kind of sand substrate so they can sift through. Would pool filter sand be too large for them? Should I use sand as a cap for soil or just use root tabs? WOuld you get black sand or natural? Any advice would be helpful.

BTW I have a pair of breeding GBR, 4 Checkerboards and want to get a pair of apistos for this tank.

The Dude · 12-25-2012, 03:26 AM

I got the Cichlid sand from Caribsea (sp?) it's a little more expensive, but I like the consistency better and it didn't cloud up much at all. I'm only using Java Moss and Java Fern and hopefully some Fissidins. I used straight sand and I'm just dosing the water. I'm planning on GBR's, Cardinals, and Cory's

Seattle_Aquarist · 12-25-2012, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monk3y God

I am looking for a new home for my little cichlids. They currently reside in my community tank with EC, but I want something a little more natural for them.

I have a 20L tank waiting for them but I want to add some kind of sand substrate so they can sift through. Would pool filter sand be too large for them? Should I use sand as a cap for soil or just use root tabs? WOuld you get black sand or natural? Any advice would be helpful.

BTW I have a pair of breeding GBR, 4 Checkerboards and want to get a pair of apistos for this tank.

Hi Monk3y God,

My Apistogramma cacatuoides Triple Red breed well in their 10 gallon with Safe-T-Sorb substrate.

Monk3y God · 12-26-2012, 07:19 PM

@ The Dude - I will have to check out the Cichlid sand for consistency, but I already bought 2 bags of Eco and in hindsight I believe that $40 is too much to pay for any substrate. the checkerboard cichlids are quite tiny so I want something between 20 to 40 grain size.

@Seattle - Gimme your little fishies NOW! That Tripple is exactly what I have been shopping for in Colorado and there is a serious lack of apisto variety here. That Safe T-Sorb looks really amazing. I was afraid of the fruity pebble look that I saw in another tank, but that looks pretty natural in your 10. I may consider that for my other tanks.

12-21-2012, 09:20 PM	#1
Monk3y God Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 12	Substrate for SA dwarf cichlids? I am looking for a new home for my little cichlids. They currently reside in my community tank with EC, but I want something a little more natural for them. I have a 20L tank waiting for them but I want to add some kind of sand substrate so they can sift through. Would pool filter sand be too large for them? Should I use sand as a cap for soil or just use root tabs? WOuld you get black sand or natural? Any advice would be helpful. BTW I have a pair of breeding GBR, 4 Checkerboards and want to get a pair of apistos for this tank.

12-25-2012, 03:26 AM	#2
The Dude Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (8/100%) Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: St. Pete Fl Posts: 513	I got the Cichlid sand from Caribsea (sp?) it's a little more expensive, but I like the consistency better and it didn't cloud up much at all. I'm only using Java Moss and Java Fern and hopefully some Fissidins. I used straight sand and I'm just dosing the water. I'm planning on GBR's, Cardinals, and Cory's __________________ Fraternity of Dirt Just because its dirt doesn't make it low tech Member #13 http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/ta...des-tanks.html

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12-26-2012, 07:19 PM	#4
Monk3y God Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 12	@ The Dude - I will have to check out the Cichlid sand for consistency, but I already bought 2 bags of Eco and in hindsight I believe that $40 is too much to pay for any substrate. the checkerboard cichlids are quite tiny so I want something between 20 to 40 grain size. @Seattle - Gimme your little fishies NOW! That Tripple is exactly what I have been shopping for in Colorado and there is a serious lack of apisto variety here. That Safe T-Sorb looks really amazing. I was afraid of the fruity pebble look that I saw in another tank, but that looks pretty natural in your 10. I may consider that for my other tanks.