new2here..

[Carpetsurfer63]

Good Day!
Glad to become a member of the TFF.. I've been involved in both Reef and fresh water aquariums for over 20+ years. My last was a 25 gal. Nanocube - which was a complete disaster! They never have enough filtration for a reef and are really too small for fresh IMO! Perhaps this is why they never lasted very long on the shelves of pet shops!
None the less, I'm in the midst of constructing a stand for a 55 gallon Tank hopefully turning it into a Cichlid aquarium.
Forgetting how expensive this hobby can be, I am slowly being reminded of the many trips to and from the LFS I used to take... LOL!!
BTW, my new setup will consist of the MARINELAND Emperor 400 and the MarineLand LED lighting system.
Just wondering though, what is the best "non commercial" type of substrate for a cichlid tank - Any suggestions?
Thanks!!

 

[fluttermoth]

Welcome to the forum

I'd recommend children's playpit sand as a substrate. It's cheap, easy to get, and it's great for fish as they can dig around in it without hurting their noses It does need a lot of washing to get the dust out before you can use it, but it's well worth the trouble, IMO.

What kinds of cichlid are you thinking of keeping; Africans? South/Central Americans?

 

[LyraGuppi]

Forgetting how expensive this hobby can be, I am slowly being reminded of the many trips to and from the LFS I used to take... LOL!!

Agreed!
I agree with fluttermoth, play sand is a good choice. Welcome!

 

[Carpetsurfer63]

Welcome to the forum

I'd recommend children's playpit sand as a substrate. It's cheap, easy to get, and it's great for fish as they can dig around in it without hurting their noses It does need a lot of washing to get the dust out before you can use it, but it's well worth the trouble, IMO.

What kinds of cichlid are you thinking of keeping; Africans? South/Central Americans?

Hi, At the moment I'm not 100% sure what type of cichlids I'll be keeping.. I am still "reading up" on them sorta speak. The LFS here has a few good selections but from what I can observe of their (LFS) history, They don't keep anything too expensive or exotic and most of the time they have really nothing to brag about! It's a hit and miss with this outfit.
My tank is approx. 55 gallons and is not as of yet set up as I am still in the midst of constructing the stand.

Thanks for the pointer on the kids play sand btw! I have used it before many many years ago for my saltwater fish only aquarium. it works great and I have also been told that Swimming pool filter sand is another good medium as well as it has a large surface area to which the biological load can grow on.
BTW, do you use "Instant Ocean in your cichlid tank? I heard it supports and sustains water hardness and proper pH levels - Your thoughts please!

Thanks for your time,
Carpetsurfer

 

[fluttermoth]

I don't keep hard water cichlids myself, but my mum used to have a mbuna set up. I know she had to use something to harden the water, as ours is very soft and acidic, but I can't remember what it was. You do want proper Malawi/Rift valley salt mix though, not a marine one.

I'm not sure how much surface area sand has comped to gravel; I would have thought it only on the very top surface anyway, although most cichlids and catfish would keep it well turned over! But I consider it far better than gravel and have it in all my tanks.