Change Substrate Or Not?

[HouseACA]

Hi folks

I've got a new tank, of similar size to my current 120l one. My current tank has coral sand as substrate, which I've since read isn't suitable for tropical fish. I've had the tank running for a few years and ph readings is at top end of the scale, but the fish don't seem too bothered. Tank is made up few types of tetras, corys and dwarf gourami.

Just wondering now as I'm planning on changing tank, should I change the substrate, or just keep it to what fish are used to? Thanks

 

[fluttermoth]

I would change it to another type of sand.
 
All your fish prefer soft water and will be happier (and probably healthier) if they're not on coral sand, which is often too sharp as well as raising the hardness and pH.

 

[HouseACA]

Thanks, maybe will give play sand a go.

 

[misterpro]

Have you tested your tap water (after leaving it standing for 24 hours in a cup or whatever) PH?
 
I'm not saying that I don't agree that other sand would be better.  Just that, if your tap water would happen to be stupidly hard already, the impact of the coral sand would be minimal (imho).
I'd test the water first to check what difference could be achieved.
 
*edit*
I stupidly missed that you are going to change tank anyway...  Yep, ditch the coral sand for another substrate in the new tank.

 

[HouseACA]

Have you tested your tap water (after leaving it standing for 24 hours in a cup or whatever) PH?
 
I'm not saying that I don't agree that other sand would be better.  Just that, if your tap water would happen to be stupidly hard already, the impact of the coral sand would be minimal (imho).
I'd test the water first to check what difference could be achieved.
 

That's a good idea,, might try that anyway just to see what result comes out as.

 

[HouseACA]

Just to update, I went with play sand and after a bit of rinsing with hose, it's the substrate of my new tank, with no clouding or kicking up.

Looks good.