Malawi Cichlid

[zainus]

Hi, i am setting a new malawi tank and would like some advise on the best substrate to use - I was thinking of coral sand?

[Henk Hugo]

coral sand is fine... it will keep the PH nice and high for them :D

[Rowland]

Just pretty pricy. I prefer to use silica and then let the rocks buffer the pH.

[Henk Hugo]

it costs money to setup a proper fish tank....

[Rowland]

So by implication it is not proper with silica sand??
In fact there are references to recommend folk not to use coral sand or coral chip, due to the sharp edges that can injure malawis who love to do there own aquascaping. However, if you have the money to blow, and replace dead and injured fish....go for it.
Alternatively, some silica sand will cost you about R50 for a large bag. Using Bicarb and salt will enable you to buffer the pH as necessary for Africa Rift Lake cichlids.

Enjoy

[Henk Hugo]

i have never heard of fish being hurt by coral sand.... the chips yes but surely not the sand?

[Rowland]

Interestingly enough, it seems the sand is in fact more detrimental. Larger fish that sift through the substrate in search of food particles, "inhale" the substrate, removing food and expelling the sand through their gills. This can cause gill damage as these pieces of sand are incredibly sharp.

[sarf]

Coral sand can lead to irritation of gills for malawis when they sift,so fish will scrape more..go for the silica sand,but make sure you put rocks in your tank to keep ph up..or add some coral chips in your filter

[Henk Hugo]

wow ok - interesting stuff . thanks Rowland

[zainus]

thanks for the replies,guys it was really helpful- where can i get silica sand?

[Reafer]

u can buy silica sand from all pool shops and builders , its sometimes called pool filter sand , its the same thing, its about R50 for a 40kg bag

[Zafgak]

Hi all - Just like to point out something - There are two types of silica sand sold for pool filters - One is washed silica that has been around for eons, the grains are rounded and the sand feels smooth when you rub it between your fingers - Then there is silica sand which has been manufactured (using a crusher and grading system) This sand feels very sharp when rubbed between the fingers, the edges have not been weathered and are therefore very sharp.. Keep a lookout for the first one if you can.

[solex69]

I wouldn't mind bag of the washed silica....I've only seen it Gert's tanks. Maybe when I redo my 1.2m + sump tank I'll get this type of sand mixed in with some small riverstones....I think it looks gr8

Chiao
D