What sand is good for African cichlids?
Standard aquarium sand or gravel can be used, but crushed coral, coral sand or crushed oyster shell will help maintain the proper pH and alkalinity to support good health and color in your African cichlids. A 1″ to 2″ bed is best, as many species love to dig!
Do African cichlids prefer sand or gravel?
For cichlids, a sand substrate is considered the best. That’s because cichlids love to dig and move the sand around, and they exhibit the same behavior in nature which serves many purposes, such as scavenging for food or making nests for laying eggs. The pinnacle of sands is aragonite sand.
Is sand OK for cichlids?
CaribSea aquarium sand can be a great choice for African cichlids when choosing the lining for their aquarium floor. The aquarium substrate contains natural minerals that mimic the African cichlid’s habitat and help make their brilliant colors vibrant.
Is aragonite sand good for African cichlids?
Bahamian Aragonite Aquarium Sand is the ideal substrate for marine, reef or African Cichlid aquariums. This aquarium sand has unsurpassed buffering capability and helps maintain a natural pH balance of 8. 2 without the constant addition of chemicals.
Is aragonite good for cichlids?
Cichlids love to dig, cave and filter through the substrate. Using aragonite sands or finely crushed corals is highly recommended for cichlids.
Can I use aragonite sand in freshwater?
This aragonite sand can be used in freshwater for keeping African cichlids. If the aquarium has enough carbon dioxide in the water, some of the aragonite will dissolve, increasing the water hardness and alkalinity.
Why are my cichlids rubbing against sand?
Ich is a common fish disease that can infect cichlids. It is a protozoan parasite, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. The cysts look like grains of salt on the fish. They may cause African cichlids to rub themselves on rocks to try and dislodge the parasites.
Does cichlid sand raise PH?
John, the sand will not raise your PH. But if you want it to be higher just add baking soda to the water. Answer: Many African cichlids will dig a pit in the sand during breeding/spawning and can really change your hard work of aquascaping.
How long does aragonite sand last?
Oolitic aragonite has the wonderful benefit of dissolving rather quickly; in ordinary systems it has a half-life of approximately 18 months. The dissolution of the calcareous sand is a great source or minerals for reef growth.
Does cichlid sand raise pH?
Does aragonite sand raise pH?
Using Aragonite Substrates Once added to the water the aragonite, which is composed of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) will naturally buffer the water to a higher pH. This also helps to reduce the likelihood of pH swings.
What can I put with my African cichlids?
Speedy Cats. Catfish are one fish type that can co-exist with cichlids. Like cichlids, catfish are extremely diverse. Choose South American catfish for a South American cichlid tank and African catfish for an African cichlid tank to avoid disease problems.
What plants can go with African cichlids?
African Cichlids and Plants. Examples of plant species that are easy to find in most aquarium shops and that will tolerate hard, alkaline water are Java fern ( Microsorium pteropus ), Java moss ( Vesicularia dubyana ), Vallisneria gigantean and Riccia fluitans.
What should I Feed my African cichlids?
African cichlids are omnivores, They eat anything but a varied diet is best. sinking pellets or flakes as a staple food. Give green food like grocery store spinach occasionally, as many cichlids like green foods. Provide the occasional treat of live or frozen animal food like brine shrimp and bloodworms.
What fish can live with African cichlids?
Clown Loach. Also known as the Botia Loach,this fish grows to about four and a half inches in length.