What is this Substrate?

joobie · 10/19/2012, 01:17 AM

Hey Guys,

I'm not sure which substrate to go for in my tank. I will be having a couple Discus in there, and am using a Herbie style overflow to a sump.

From a practicality perspective, I'd like something small so that the fish waste wont get caught in the rocks, rather it would sit on-top. This should make cleaning easier and more visible when I need to clean.

From a looks perspective, I really like what people use in salt water setups, the fine sandy look.

Anyone know what substrate this guy would be using? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6TiN...eature=related

Also any recommendations for good options to use? Ideally it should be a substrate that doesn't alter water levels either (unless it does this in a positive way?).

Thanks, Richard

Michigan Mike · 10/19/2012, 01:42 AM

I'm sure aragonite sand will be fine. Since its freshwater you can probably use pool filter and or play sand too, its super cheap.

Danny_B · 10/19/2012, 07:38 AM

do not use aragonite on discus tank! it will make the gh/kh and ph very high/hard. discus need lower Ph (6-7.5), and softer water (1-3kh). they can adapt to a little less than optimum parameters, but definitely do not put a substrate that is going to cause you to fight parameters.

silica sand is fine and inert.

joobie · 10/19/2012, 08:07 AM

I've heard Silca Sand is good for this purpose.. What size do you suggest?

Trying to avoid waste getting caught between the substrate, but at the same time i hear if it's too compact pockets of some sort of bad gas / bacteria can form (from what I vaguely understand).

Cheers, Richard

10/19/2012, 01:17 AM	#1
joobie Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 47	What is this Substrate? Hey Guys, I'm not sure which substrate to go for in my tank. I will be having a couple Discus in there, and am using a Herbie style overflow to a sump. From a practicality perspective, I'd like something small so that the fish waste wont get caught in the rocks, rather it would sit on-top. This should make cleaning easier and more visible when I need to clean. From a looks perspective, I really like what people use in salt water setups, the fine sandy look. Anyone know what substrate this guy would be using? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6TiN...eature=related Also any recommendations for good options to use? Ideally it should be a substrate that doesn't alter water levels either (unless it does this in a positive way?). Thanks, Richard

10/19/2012, 07:38 AM	#3
Danny_B Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: North Phoenix Posts: 399	do not use aragonite on discus tank! it will make the gh/kh and ph very high/hard. discus need lower Ph (6-7.5), and softer water (1-3kh). they can adapt to a little less than optimum parameters, but definitely do not put a substrate that is going to cause you to fight parameters. silica sand is fine and inert. __________________ 29g Mixed Reef, 10g Sump/Refugium, SCA-301 Cone Skimmer, 32x3w LEDs 12RB/8WW/4CB/4UV/2DR/2TQ 60°/80° optics, 35lbs Live rock, MP10es

10/19/2012, 01:42 AM	#2
Michigan Mike Freedom costs a buckofive Join Date: May 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,002	I'm sure aragonite sand will be fine. Since its freshwater you can probably use pool filter and or play sand too, its super cheap.

10/19/2012, 08:07 AM	#4
joobie Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 47	I've heard Silca Sand is good for this purpose.. What size do you suggest? Trying to avoid waste getting caught between the substrate, but at the same time i hear if it's too compact pockets of some sort of bad gas / bacteria can form (from what I vaguely understand). Cheers, Richard