In recent years, the African cichlid has become one of the most popular freshwater aquarium species. This is largely because these wonderful fish are so diverse. They can range in size from very small through to as big as 90cm and they come in an amazing array of colors and patterns. What’s more, the African cichlid is an energetic fish that will provide aquarists with hours of viewing pleasure.
When setting up a suitable home for your African cichlids, there are several things to think about. One of the most important is the type of substrate you will use. In this guide, we will be discussing the importance of using the right type as well as looking at some excellent products for your consideration.
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What Is The Natural Habitat Of The African Cichlid?
As their name tells us, the African cichlid can be found in Africa. However, where in this vast continent they live can vary greatly. There are some that enjoy the tranquility of a lake whereas others can be found in the moving waters of rivers and streams. But when you purchase an African cichlid to keep as a domestic animal, it will almost always have been sourced in the Rift Lakes.
These lakes are created in valleys which fill with water and have no other connection to rivers, streams, or oceans. One of the most well-known rift lakes in Africa is Lake Malawi and it is here that a huge percentage of cichlids for the global market are sourced.
One of the key things to think about when choosing to keep African cichlids is that these fish come from very specific water conditions. Usually, the rift lakes will have a significantly higher mineral content and the pH level is also higher, in some cases, being as high as 9.3! This is related to the mineral content but also it is due to calcium deposits and evaporation over the course of time.
These water conditions may seem a little extreme but the African cichlid has adapted to this and so requires these conditions when kept in a home aquarium. That said, it is possible for them to live in more acidic water but you will notice that their colors won’t be as vibrant. Moreover, breeding becomes difficult and the fish become more prone to disease.
Sand Vs Gravel – Which Is Better For African Cichlids?
If you have already started shopping for the substrate for your African cichlids, you will notice how many different types there are. But these fish will be much happier with a sand substrate as this best replicates their natural habitat.
Not only this, but sand is the ideal material for the fish when it comes to feeding and breeding. These animals love to dig around in the sand and scavenge for food. They’ll also behave this way when preparing a nest for their eggs.
However, you will also have noticed that there are lots of different types of sand substrate available and this can make things even more confusing, especially for new fish keepers. While most sands will work well, we would recommend using an aragonite sand which is a type of crystallized calcium carbonate. It is the closest thing to the natural habitat of the African cichlid and will allow for appropriate increases in the water hardness as well as its pH level.
What To Consider When Choosing Substrate For African Cichlids
While you might think of substrate as a purely decorative aspect of the tank, in reality, it can be the difference between a healthy aquarium and one that doesn’t give your fish everything they need to thrive. For this reason alone, it is essential to pay close attention to the type of substrate you are using and think about whether it will meet the exacting needs of your fish.
Colour
Let’s start by talking about the aesthetic appeal of the substrate. Yes, we have just pointed out that how a substrate looks is the least of your concerns but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find one that looks great.
This should be something you consider after you have ensured that the substrate will meet your needs. But then you are free to adorn your tank in any way you see fit. Whether you want to create a dark and mysterious environment or something a little more vibrant, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Buffering
Your water supply is unlikely to provide your African cichlids with the correct chemistry as where they come from has such extreme conditions. While there are lots of things you can do to ensure that the water conditions remain spot-on for your fish, your substrate can be used for what is known as buffering.
Buffering is where you add buffers or salts to the water so that the pH and water hardness can stay balanced. However, for new hobby aquarists, this can prove to be quite a trying task not to mention expensive. Moreover, you will need to make sure that you consistently test the water so that you pick up on any adjustments early.
However, there is some good news. There are lots of substrates that can help the buffering process and those that are designed for African cichlids are ideal for this. These substrates offer a natural buffer to the water and can be incredibly useful for a beginner. Typically, this type of substrate will either be a crushed coral or sand. Moreover, it is easy to confuse these substrates with saltwater substrates since many of them will double up and serve both purposes.
Size And Texture
You might not think it since the African cichlid is a vivacious little fish but it is also delicate and so it is important to make sure that the substrate does not have a rough texture. This is especially important since these fish love to dig and doing this in a sharp, jagged or rough substrate could cause an injury. These injuries could be sustained to the lips, gills, fins, or any other part of the body. While these cuts and grazes may appear superficial, it is not uncommon for them to become a more serious problem.
As well as the texture of the substrate, you must also think about its size. When we look at the natural habitat of the African cichlid, we see that the lake floor is covered in small to medium-sized grains of snag and debris. This should be mimicked as closely as possible in a domestic tank. The reason for this is that the fish are more easily able to dig in this type of substrate and this will help them to remain active and happy.
Another important point to keep in mind is that, when you use a fine sand, this will compact and this means that fish waste will settle on top rather than sinking into it. However, over time, this waste will decompose and sink down which will create pockets of gas. As the fish dig, this will be released and could affect the quality of the water.
How Much Substrate Should I Use?
It is not only important to think about the type of substrate you will use for your African cichlids but also the quantity. As we have discussed, these fish like to dig around in the sand so you need to make sure that the level is deep enough to allow them to do this.
Generally speaking, you will need to use 2lbs of sand per gallon of water in the aquarium. This will allow for complete and full coverage of the tank floor while also giving you a depth of up to 2 inches.
What Is The Best Substrate For African Cichlids?
The market is bursting with great substrate products for African cichlids but there are certainly some that are better than others. We have been testing and reviewing a heap of options and we found that the following came out on top!
Aquanatural African Cichlid Aragonite Sand
Made especially for the African cichlid, this aragonite sand is the perfect base layer for your fish’s home. It comes in a light color providing your aquarium with a natural yet bright appearance and is perfect to use as a buffer.
This sand is made from 98% pure calcium carbonate giving you the peace of mind that it will perfectly balance the water parameters and mineral content that your cichlids so desperately need.
Ethically sourced from the oceans around the Bahamas, this substrate contains no harmful chemicals or bacteria, therefore ensuring that your fish and aquarium remain healthy and happy.
CaribSea African Ivory Coast Sand
This is one of the most popular African cichlid substrates on the market at the moment and fish keepers are going crazy for it. This doesn’t come as a surprise when you consider the quality of the substrate which is a blend of Mauna sand and Sahara sand. This allows you to create a diverse and natural environment for your fish.
The substrate comes in a choice of two colors and not only this but the composition allows the colors of your African cichlids to remain vibrant and bright. Perfect for anyone who wants a stunning and aesthetically pleasing aquarium.
Nature’s Ocean Bio Activ Pink Reef Aragonite Sand
If you are someone who wants to create a stunning tank aesthetic then this pink reef sand will certainly help you to achieve that. But much more than just looking amazing, this aragonite sand contains all the minerals that your African cichlids need for their environment. The sand will balance the water keeping the pH and hardness to the correct levels.
This one is also great for removing trace elements and waste products from the water, keeping it fresher and cleaner. What’s more, you can add the substrate and not have to worry about a cycling period; add your fish right away!
Conclusion
African cichlids are amazing creatures that come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes. They have become more and more popular with aquarium owners and while this may be true, not everyone is aware of the intricate care that this species requires.
Since they come from a very extreme environment, the African cichlid is not considered to be the best option for a beginner aquarist. However, there are some substrates that will help beginners to maintain the best water quality.
Typically speaking, a sand substrate is the best option for these fish since this replicates their natural habitat better than any other type. The substrate should be fine to medium to allow the cichlids to dig, which is essential for feeding and breeding. It should also contain enough minerals to keep the pH of the water at a higher level as well as ensuring that its hardness does not drop to dangerous levels.
