Cichlid Pete Posted April 17, 2015 Share Posted April 17, 2015 Hi Guys,This is my 1st post as I am getting into Cichlids and thought this would be a good place to start.I am currently setting up a 6x2x2.5ft Malawi peacock and hap display tank.I have a Fluval FX6 and was wondering if it was a good idea to use coral bones in the canister to help raise the PH in addition to coral sand substrate.Any advice would be appreciated.Thanks Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxib Posted April 18, 2015 Share Posted April 18, 2015 I have tried that and couldnt get my ph up very much. It really depends on the ph of your water to begin with. From what ive read the lower your ph (under 7) the more noticeable the effect of the coral will be.Calcium carbonate is more soluble in acidic conditions. If your tap water ph is around 7.4 to 7.6 then the change will be slight.It does add a good buffering capacity to your tank nonetheless. If you are aiming at getting your ph above 8.0 you will most likely need to add something else.There is a buffer recipe on this forum using stuff you can buy at any grocery store. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoody Posted April 18, 2015 Share Posted April 18, 2015 as maxib stated depends on your tap waters PH.i run crushed coral in my fx 5 and that gives me 8 - 8.2 PH but my tap water is 7.2very debatable subject as is does not work for everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxib Posted April 18, 2015 Share Posted April 18, 2015 Hoody do you just use store bought crushed coral? I would like to try to replicate your result. Im sick of adding buffers.it makes me wonder if there is something in my tap water that is buffering to oppose alkalinity. Even with seachem cichlid buffer I have a hard time getting to 8.2. I have to add so much buffer kh goes way to high. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoody Posted April 18, 2015 Share Posted April 18, 2015 yeah mate just from the local aquarium, i have an fx5 and just filled one tray up with it. is still add buffers kh every water change and gh is not very oftern, maybe once a month ill add for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cichlid Pete Posted April 18, 2015 Author Share Posted April 18, 2015 Thanks very much guys for replying.I'm filling the tank now and will connect the filter tomorrow.How much coral do you think I should add to the filter?Thanks again Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ged Posted April 18, 2015 Share Posted April 18, 2015 Peter are you using both of the filter bags that came with the FX6. I would using smaller size crushed coral in one of the bags to increase the surface area.May I suggest that you wait to see the effect of the coral sand before adding to your filter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cichlid Pete Posted April 19, 2015 Author Share Posted April 19, 2015 Thanks Ged.I got a bit excited last night and I have connected up the filter with the standard media and a cup full of coral bones.The problem I have now is that coral sand (Serenity argonite coral sand) is getting disturbed by the air stone. I have a Schego MK3 air pump and have backed it off to the minimum output and it is still disturbing the sand. I have turned the air pump off until the water clears.ThanksPeter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ziggyboy Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 Don't forget to cycle your tank.Here's a tip: Use some filter media from an established tank, even just a handful and you can put 1 or 2 fish straight away. Monitor your ammonia/nitrites/nitrates daily though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cichlid Pete Posted April 20, 2015 Author Share Posted April 20, 2015 Thanks Ziggyboy,I added API Stress Zyme today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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