Substrate ?

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

To go along with painting,  I would like to know what is the best substrate to use on Peacocks / Haps.

I was thinking about sand but what kind of sand?  Can you use pool filter sand in an aquarium?

Also where is the best place to buy it?

[Ron]

Large grain pool filter sand. Wash it a lot, until the water runs clear, before putting it in the tank.

Where? Pool supply store, but beware you might get a strange look after you tell them its for a fish tank.

[RichE]

Next time you are in the area I have a few bags in the garage, I picked up a bunch from a pool store at the end of the season,they have holes in the bags so they couldn't sell as new, so  I got them for free, so I will pass on the savings

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

Riche - I will be by on Monday after work to pick them up ! Thanks

[four_by_ken]

The only thing I dont like about the pool sand is that it is usually real white.  Which shows every bit of poop in the tank.  Drives me crazy.

No more white sand for me!

[linuxrulesusa]

Not trying to jump on Rich's offer but if you want more of a tan sand the stuff from Leslie's pool supply is good and barely needs rinsed.

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

Do you still vacuum sand like you would rock, any special suggestions on how to do this without vacuuming it all out of your tank?

[four_by_ken]

Do you still vacuum sand like you would rock, any special suggestions on how to do this without vacuuming it all out of your tank?

You just have to hold the sypon a little above the sand.  It will suck the shit up and leave the sand behind.  Tiny amounts of sand usually get sucked up if you are really trying to get every last bit.

You also need to stir up the sand every once in a while as gasses can get trapped in it, which is harmful.  How often depends on how much junk is in your tank.  I do it about once a month.

Personally, I wouldnt use sand in my tanks if I didnt have the Albus, sand sifters.  They go through the sand all day long.  Kind of neat to watch.

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

I read somewhere that some Cichlids, especially Peacocks like to do the same thing...