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i started an african cichid tank.
40 gal
lots of cichlid rock forgot the name.
my substrate is colored pea gravel and i was thinking about changeing it to a more natural substrate
is it safe to do this?
and if so what do i change it to?

If you're looking to raise the Ph for the cichlids look into crushed coral substrates available in your LFS.

Make sure you have the gravel washed before starting. Changing the substrate is possible, but you want to make sure you don't remove all the bacteria in your biofilter in the process. Since the switch can be rather bothersome to the fish it's generally suggested that you net them out to a seperate container and remove the filters to run on the container or bucket you're storing the fish in. This will give you plenty of time to work. It also ensures you don't drop gravel on unsuspecting fish heads.

After a deep gravel vac all the way to the bottom, carefully remove some of the top layer of the gravel and set it in a pair of clean nylons or a shallow dish. Place the dish or nylons in the temporary holding tank you have the fish in. Then remove the gravel and replace with the new. Arrange the tank the way you want. Allow a bit of time to let any dust settle. If there's signifigant dust do a gravel sweep with your gravel vac and just skim over the surface. Then replace fish, filter and your dish or nylons of old gravel in some hidden spot. Leave the portion of old gravel in place for 3-4 weeks until the new gravel is fully colonized.

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LFS?
sry i'm new

LFS= Local Fish Store .

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coral sand is recomended for africans as Babelfish said it keeps the ph raised which is where u want it.. if u dont wish to use coral sand as it may be a bit more expensive u could go for sand.. this is wat i have with my africans..
if u wanted natral substrate i would get the fine substate 1mm.. common is 4mm i think..

coral sand would be a good idea to add maybe in a satchle in you filter so it raises the ph.. i replaced a carbon satchle an put coral sand in it in my cannister and also a box filter.. helps alot with the ph!!

r0b3y

Coral Sand is very good for Cichlids & i would also mix it with some natural looking gravel.



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my Ph is high in my area already plus i put the cichlid rocks in there. i like the sand and gravel mix idea.
How do i clean it? wouldn't a syphin puck up the sand?

Sorry, yes LFS = Local fish store.
A gravel vac will suck up the sand if you're not careful, the trick is to carefully sweep above the surface of the sand to remove the waste that isn't picked up by the filter. With sand you also need to ensure that it's not too deep or you're likely to get pockets of anerobic bacteria which is deadly to fresh water fish. Once you've finished getting the waste off the surface with a gentle sweep of your vac, you can run your hand or a rod thru the sand to break up any pockets of trapped air which will turn anerobic if given the time.

The other issue with sand to consider is that it is often picked up a few grains at a time by most HOB (hang on back) style filters like Aquaclears. The sand over time (few months) is likely to wear away @the impeller causing no end to noisy filter problems. Covering the intake will prevent sand from entering, however it will also signifigantly slow the flow rate of the filter.

^_^[hr width='40%']"Has someone taken your faith? It's real, the [link=pain]http://babelfish.qwertydigital.com/" style="COLOR: #EB4288[/link] you feel.
The life, the love, You die to heal.
The hope that starts, The broken hearts...
I’ve got another confession my friend, I’m no fool.
I’m getting tired of starting again, Somewhere new."

hey welcome to fp i only had one problem with mixing the sand with the gravel the sand will always end up on the bottom this does,nt effect ph but its not a great looksand only works best if it takes a few weeks to save its worth the wait