hi all,
im about to set up my first cichlid aquarium (been on the planted side!)
im curious about substrate! i dont want to spend a rediculous amount on these eco complete substrates when i can use cheaper alternatives. i have a 4x2x2 tank (a large footprint) so i need around 100kgs or substrate. eco complete planted substrate i used cost me a bomb!
i do have hard water, so does that mean i NEED a cichlid specific substrate?
i was thinking of using some play sand, capped with inert gravel, but would it be advisable to mix some cichlid specific substrate in with the gravel, just to have some water buffering properties?
any advice would be great...
i dont want to use just sand as i know it becomes messy really quickly! hence my desire to cap it.
im about to set up my first cichlid aquarium (been on the planted side!)
im curious about substrate! i dont want to spend a rediculous amount on these eco complete substrates when i can use cheaper alternatives. i have a 4x2x2 tank (a large footprint) so i need around 100kgs or substrate. eco complete planted substrate i used cost me a bomb!
i do have hard water, so does that mean i NEED a cichlid specific substrate?
i was thinking of using some play sand, capped with inert gravel, but would it be advisable to mix some cichlid specific substrate in with the gravel, just to have some water buffering properties?
any advice would be great...
i dont want to use just sand as i know it becomes messy really quickly! hence my desire to cap it.