MikeO
Fish Crazy
OK, so I am 14 days into my fishless cycle and I am re-thinking my substrate due to deciding to stock with Malawi's.
I have read a number of different suggestions which have left me wondering what to do.
At the moment I have a general gravel which I think is a mix of different types, but it doesn't seem like it would be easy for the fish to dig in and I am worried some of it may be too sharp. The LFS have also advised to mix in some crushed coral to raise the pH, but other things I have read suggest this could harm the fish when digging and that it should be placed in the filter.
I was thinking about changing to sand, but then thought that this may cloud the water, plus not really sure what type of sand would be best. Also wondering what effect this will have on the cycle - I am not in any rush to stock the tank as I want to get the conditions perfect first, but obviosuly need to know what to be looking out for if I do remove the gravel.
What do others have in their Malawi setups and is there a recommended material?
I have read a number of different suggestions which have left me wondering what to do.
At the moment I have a general gravel which I think is a mix of different types, but it doesn't seem like it would be easy for the fish to dig in and I am worried some of it may be too sharp. The LFS have also advised to mix in some crushed coral to raise the pH, but other things I have read suggest this could harm the fish when digging and that it should be placed in the filter.
I was thinking about changing to sand, but then thought that this may cloud the water, plus not really sure what type of sand would be best. Also wondering what effect this will have on the cycle - I am not in any rush to stock the tank as I want to get the conditions perfect first, but obviosuly need to know what to be looking out for if I do remove the gravel.
What do others have in their Malawi setups and is there a recommended material?