Do cichlids need crushed coral?
The calcium carbonate present in crushed coral dissolves into the water slowly, increasing the water’s hardness level and providing a buffer to the pH and alkalinity levels. Hence, crushed coral is often preferred by saltwater hobbyists and those who keep African Cichlids.
Is coral sand OK for tropical fish?
It is perfect, however, for fish such as African cichlids. It also gives a salt water “feel” to a fresh water aquarium. If you need the buffering that crushed coral provides, but your fish prefer sand, you can use coral sand as your substrate.
Which sand is best for 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.
What color sand is best for cichlids?
The best substrate for African cichlids is CaribSea Ivory Coast Sand. The color looks very natural and is a great neutral background for your fish.
Does crushed coral dissolve?
Crushed coral dissolves continuously over time. The lower your pH is, the faster it dissolves. As the pH rises, it slows down how fast the coral dissolves. Crushed coral adds a bit of hardness to the water and it significantly boosts KH which buffers pH from swinging.
Does coral sand raise pH?
Coral sand can even be added to soft water tanks where pH keeps crashing, and although enough of it could raise pH to 8.2, it won’t go over that, so shouldn’t ever harm aquarium fish.
Can cichlids hide in sand?
Cichlids that dwell in these expanses of sand prefer sandy areas in the aquarium. Such cichlids will usually dig a burrow to hide and spawn in. You can pick from a number of sands, including coral sand — which ups the pH level — to chemically inert sands like playground sand from the hardware store.
Is coral 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!
What is the best sand substrate for cichlids?
Silica is a great sand substrate to have for your cichlids. It is a smooth, white or tan colored substrate that adds a simple yet appealing look to your tank. It is popular with most cichlid owners for its simplicity and affordability.
Is crushed coral good for cichlids?
Crushed coral is perfect for a cichlid tank because it causes the Ph level of the tank to spike and cichlids do require a high pH level tank. Cichlids require a pH level of about 7.8-8.5 to feel comfortable.
What is the best cichlid to put in an aquarium?
19 Beautiful Cichlid Species For Your Aquarium. 1 1. Angelfish. 2 2. Discus Fish. 3 3. Blue Ram. 4 4. Yellow Lab Cichlid. 5 5. Frontosa Cichlid.
How to care for African cichlids?
African cichlid behaviors, tank requirements, water parameters, and care varies from species to species so unfortunately there is no one-size-fits-all approach to their care. Instead, the fish keeper should always do their research into the specific needs of any fish species.