Cichlid substrate safe for tropical community tank?

[chral513]

Hey everyone,

I was recently given an old 55 gallon tank - a great upgrade to my current set up.

At my LFS - I asked about new substrate b/c i wanted something smaller then average gravel so my dojo loaches could burrow easily. The guy sold me on the african cichlid mix (caribsea). He assured me that my county's water was a ph around 7.6-7.8 and that this substrate wouldn't have any effect in raising pH b/c my pH is already high.

I believed him and now that I'm getting ready to set up the tank - I dunno if I should us it or not. Does anyone know about this natural buffering pH raising substrate? I have no cichlids.

I have a pleco, 2 loaches, 5 glofish and about 12 baby/toddler guppies currently in my tank that would eventually be moved to the tank with the African Cichlid Mix substrate.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

[mk4gti]

That stuff is designed to keep the PH high for african cichlids, the tropical community your looking to build requires lower PH. I dont think that would be a good mix for what you want.

[chral513]

That's what I'm thinking.... The guy assured me it was ok and I stupidly listened.
I've searched high and low for more specifics of the substrate as in how high a pH it actually provides and can't find anything. Let's just hope I still have the reciept.

[joeyhatch11]

The guy at my LFS told me yesterday that crushed coral would be fine for Cichlid substant because it'll keep a high pH.