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Substrate & Shells


nbw

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Looking at getting a few different types of substrate to put in the bottom of my tanks.

Just wondering where I would get some sand and also some finely crushed gravel or even shell grit.

I can't bring myself to pay LFS prices, so just wondering if there is a better and cheaper alternative.

Also have some A. Compressiceps and wondering where i can get some suitable shells as breeding homes

Thanks for reading :thumbup:

nbw

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Sand you can buy from bunnings for under $5 for a 20 kilo bag.

Blacktown pet and produce at 3rd avenue,blacktown sell shell grit for for like $3 a kilo.They have two sizes.

HTH

Jim

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  • 4 weeks later...

I have been hunting around for different "sand" substrates and have come acrossWashed River Sand, which is reddish brown, clean white sand and 1mm pool filter sand (not sure what colour). My question is which is more suitable for african cichlids. I have read in another thread on ace to go for a coarse grain to reduce the chance of the filter blocking up. What would the minimum recommended size be so this wouldn't happen.

Arrr to much info needed... head going to explode. Can you tell I'm new to this. :)

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hi, unless the species being kept are specialised sand sifters i feel it's really a matter of personal preference, and also whether you want to use or add grit or crushed coral to help buffer the pH. As far as filter blocking, you can avoid this by ensuring your intake is located well clear of the substrate.

Personally, i love the look of the finer sands but find coarser gravels easier to maintain, and i prefer the way the colours of my fish appear over dark substrate. Generally finer substrates should also be shallower to minimise the chance of air pockets. Also, i use those magnets to clean the glass and have found over the years that my tanks with coarser gravels have less fine scratches on the inside!

Remember these are just my thoughts and preferences, and having said all the above, some of the tanks i have seen and admired most have had fine white sand substrates! :dntknw:

cheers!

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Thanks Oakes. Any info is greatly taken onboars. I'm in the middle of setting up a 3'x15"x18" tank and was thinking of a white sand as I have also seen them on display and thought they lok very crisp. But then again I have only seen not maintained one. I think for now I might stick to the gravel & crushed coral. When I get my third tank..........hmmmm. :yes:

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I found some shells in spotlight for a much more attractive price than lfs. they were about $8 for 10 or so in a jar. Half of them would have been big enough for altos. Worth a quick look if there is one near you.

Cheers,

Jason

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