Substrate Question!

[Oceanne]

What substrate would be preferable for a 15g (that will be transfered eventually to a 25g) containing either julies or telmas..  I've seen tanks with sandy substrate, and I like the look, but what would the small cichlids prefer?

Thanks!!
A

[beowulf]

Sand is fine and you can get the African cichlid one if you need your pH buffered.

[mila]

What substrate would be preferable for a 15g (that will be transfered eventually to a 25g) containing either julies or telmas..  I've seen tanks with sandy substrate, and I like the look, but what would the small cichlids prefer?

Julies don't care much about substrate, they like to be higher in rock crevices, but some telmatochromis like to make pits in the sand for fry. If you add pair of some shell dwellers to julies tank, use sand. Shelies are good sand castle builders.
Small gravel is OK, too, but coarse sand is better.

[Quatro]

I wouldn't classify it as sand.  The grain size is 5mm to 10mm.  Here are some links to the Caribsea website that list available substrates.  I'm currently looking to get some Eco-Complete Cichlid Sand (BA's price $40 for 20lbs, special order)

http://www.caribsea.com/pages/products/cichlid_eco-complete.html
http://www.caribsea.com/pages/products/cichlid.html

[Oceanne]

I've read that you can use the pool filter sand?  What are the views on the subject?

Right now, I have some crushed coral.
I was thinking of adding a bit of the Cichlid gravel mix - Rift Valley stuff looks awesome!
(if I can find a smaller quantity than 20 or 50lbs of it!!), and then a bit of sand on top of it..

Am I going overboard here??

[Brine]

Lots of substrate discussion can be found in this recent thread. You might find some good information there.
http://ovas.ca/index.php?topic=21320.msg150372#msg150372

[charlie]

Lots of substrate discussion can be found in this recent thread. You might find some good information there.
http://ovas.ca/index.php?topic=21320.msg150372#msg150372

Don`t think that link would be much good to Oceanne, that thread deals with planted substrate.
Regards

[woodendude]

I've read that you can use the pool filter sand?  What are the views on the subject?

I have pool filter sand in one of my tanks. I've no problems with it and the fish don't seem to mind it at all.

[markw]

Pool filter sand is simply silica sand and it makes for an excellent substate. I have it in all 23 tanks mixed with some crushed coral. It is inexpensive, and as long as you make sure to pre-wash it before use, it is really an excellent choice. Home Depot used to carry it but for some reason has discontinued it, but any pool store will have it. I've even seen it in a light brown colour as well.
Telmatochromis love to dig their shells half into the sand, and build up the sides for added security.

[sniggir]

I used bomix for my tanks.. same idea as the fool fikter, but it is play ground sand..

[Jesse]

What about sand blasting sand? Is it the same idea?

[PoisonJello]

sand blasting sand can have a lot of metals in it, so it can be bad but there is a lot of different types also i don't think it will kill your fish

if you have a HOB filter you shouldn't use sand, snad can get sucked up and damage the impeller

if you like sand you should have a canister filter

I have the small cichlid gravel mixed with pea sized river rock in one 65g and the fish seem to like it, the other 65g has crushed coral but fish still to small to move it around

[mila]

Pool filter sand is much better than Bomix/play sand.
It is coarser, never have it in my filters.