Substrate.

[The Mottfish]

I've got a 20g tank I'm going to set up to keep some Apistos or Rams in (along with a few tetras) and am looking for a dark substrate to use. I was wondering if there were any substrates out there which help make the water more suitable for their living conditions? (e.g. make the water more acidic or softer.)

What do you folks think/use?

Thanks.

 

[Waterbox]

I dont know of anything like sand or gravel that does that, but that does not mean there is not anything like that.

Some thing that you might like to try is Oak leaves though. I just went into my yard and gathered a bunch, then boil them until they sink to the bottom of the pot, and then put them on the bottom of the tank. They turn a REALLY pretty color after you boil them, like a really dark reddish purple. They start to disintegrate after about 3 weeks though, but then you can just siphon them out and add some more. This will also help the water chemistry of the fish like you want.

 

[ox5477]

There is black moon sand but Im pretty sure this won't do anything for the water chemistry. The oak leaves will help soften your water the same that bogwood will. This could be a good solution to lower your water pH

 

[The Mottfish]

Thanks.

 

[demonmagus]

ADA aqua soil is black, and I think it does make it more acidic - then again it is for growing plants which you might want anyway. Same with eco-complete

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

Flourite substrate is normally black in color, you could use it if you wanted real plants.

 

[The Mottfish]

Definately having plants

I've been to a few LFS recently and haven't seen any of the substrate you've mentioned. Can it only be brought online?
If so wheres a good place to get it?

Thanks.

 

[demonmagus]

not only online but wouldn't be surprised if can't find it anyways, aquaessentials is a good site to buy it from

 

[The Mottfish]

Thanks demonmagus!