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Best sand for cichlid tanks
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 12:26 am
by dawnfox
I'm setting up a new cichlid tank and need advice on the best sand substrate. I've heard mixed things about pool filter sand versus aragonite. What's your experience?
Re: Best sand for cichlid tanks
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 12:41 am
by oakdale
Pool filter sand is cheap and works fine, but it doesn't buffer pH like aragonite. If you've got African cichlids, aragonite might be better. Just my two cents.
Re: Best sand for cichlid tanks
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 1:00 am
by Lyriqx
Aragonite is ideal for African cichlids because it maintains a higher pH and adds calcium. I've used CaribSea Arag-Alive in my 75-gallon tank for years, and the water stays stable at 8.2 pH. Pool filter sand is inert, so you'll need to monitor pH more closely.
Re: Best sand for cichlid tanks
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 1:39 am
by barracke
Lyriqx wrote: ↑Sat Jul 12, 2025 1:00 am
Aragonite is ideal for African cichlids because it maintains a higher pH and adds calcium. I've used CaribSea Arag-Alive in my 75-gallon tank for years, and the water stays stable at 8.2 pH. Pool filter sand is inert, so you'll need to monitor pH more closely.
That's true, but aragonite can be pricey. If you're on a budget, pool filter sand with crushed coral in the filter works too.
Re: Best sand for cichlid tanks
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 2:34 am
by vicky99
I've used both, and honestly, my cichlids dig just as much in pool filter sand. It's easier to clean too. Aragonite looks nicer, though.
Re: Best sand for cichlid tanks
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 3:16 am
by Fuegoz
Yeah, pool filter sand is chill for South American cichlids. They don't need the high pH like Africans. Just make sure it's fine enough so they don't cut themselves.
Re: Best sand for cichlid tanks
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 3:37 am
by onyxfin
I prefer aragonite for the buffering capacity. It's worth the extra cost if you're keeping Malawi or Tanganyikan cichlids. Pool filter sand is fine for others.
Re: Best sand for cichlid tanks
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 4:35 am
by dawnfox
Thanks for the input, everyone. I'll probably go with aragonite since I'm planning on African cichlids.
Re: Best sand for cichlid tanks
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 5:19 am
by Lyriqx
Good choice. Just remember to rinse it well before adding it to the tank. Aragonite can be dusty out of the bag.
Re: Best sand for cichlid tanks
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 6:10 am
by oakdale
vicky99 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 12, 2025 2:34 am
I've used both, and honestly, my cichlids dig just as much in pool filter sand. It's easier to clean too. Aragonite looks nicer, though.
True, but if you're gonna do Africans, aragonite is the way to go. Pool sand is sketchy for long-term pH stability.