Sand For Shelldwellers...

[bogwood]

I am setting up a shelldweller cichlid tank and need a sand substrate... I use Silica sand (pale brown, not ultra fine) in my community tank with no probs... but have also seen the much finer grain size, almost white 'Silver' sand...

Which of these would be better for Shellies? I won't be having real plants (as the Shellies are great diggers) so am going for a slate/rock interior with 1 or 2 small Anubias and Java Ferns dotted about the rocks instead... will the finer silver sand clog my filter (Fluval 2 Plus) or cloud the water?...

Also, will either of these sands effect my PH?... 8.5 straight out the tap... high but perfect for Shellies...

 

[freddyk]

The fine sands do tend to cloud the water, but otherwise the choice is up to you - the fish will be happy with whatever sand you choose. The only sands that affect the water would affect it in a good way anyway.

 

[sukie]

I have a very small, light gravel and they still move it around - I think you'd be fine w/ the silica, plus why spend more $$$ when you don't have to