Crushed coral + Gravel?????

[Fishman02]

I set-up my tank using white gravel from the pet store. I like the look of the tank but have two concerns.

1. The first being of upmost important, the PH level. If crushed coral helps keep the PH up, who would ever use gravel for an African tank???? Can I mix crushed coral with gravel? Is crushed coral harder to maintain in any way?

2. Secondly, what in your opinion is the best color to bring out the color in the Africans? Can I mix blue gravel with the white gravel?


Please help!

[aharris]

Actually, I use regular sand in mine. My water has a naturally high pH so that's not an issue.

Aside from pH concerns, you're really not limited. Use whatever you like. I wish I could find some black sand to go in my tank because I've heard it's really good for bringing out the color in my C. furcifer, but I have no proof that it's actually the best color.

[merlyn2221]

Substrate color is strictly a matter of preference, but the background you choose IME is key. It should be either blue or black. I have two large tanks-one with the dark background and one with some fake rock piles which is gray-green. The dark one makes the colors pop. The other washes out the colors. I just haven't gotten around to changing it yet.

With regards to your substrate and keeping up the pH: why not mix the crushed coral in with the filter media like many cichlid keepers do. That way you can have any substrate you like.

What kind of fish you keep could also be a factor in the substrate you choose. Tanganiykans especially like sand substrates, since they sift through it constantly.

AHARRIS: I can't belive this, but I got Tahitian Moon Sand ($19.99/bag) at PetSmart of all places. Cost much less than if I had to ship it from the manufacturer since no one else around here carries it! It is truly awesome with lighter colored fish, like my white Calvus and brichardis. The darker blue or red fish don't really stand out like on the black/white mix I have in the other tank.