I am researching and pulling together all necessary material for a tank with Rams. I would like to use crushed coral as the substrate. Is this advisable?

No as crushed coral will make the water to hard for them. Either use inert gravel or some type of planted substrate, like either with peat and sand on top or eco complete since they do like planted tanks.

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SUCCESS IS MEASURED BY YEARS, NOT MONTHS!!!
220 Tank build
http://www.aquariumforum.com/f15/sta...late-3253.html

Crushed Coral causes very hard and high ph water. Cruched Coral is better suited for Rift Vally Cichlids and Livebearers. Rams need soft, acid water, like Tetras and Angels.

I'd go with Pool Filter Sand 1st... 10 bucks for 50 lbs... attractive and it's perfect for live plants... I'm in the process of working with another substrate (Safe T Sorb) a clay based substrate and it's miserable as far as suspended particulates.. (Cloudy tank).. I rinsed the heck out of it.. and still waiting after 3 days for the water to clear. The PFS clears in hours without ANY rinsing.. at least the brand I use (125G, 75G, 30G, (2) 29G's)... The brand I use is titled Lighthouse and can be picked up at various swimming pool supply stores. Bill in Va.

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12 Tanks, 900 gallons. Discus/Angels/Malawi/Lake Victorias. Just added a 135 & 2 - 29's..

Thanks all for your suggestions. Bill, what is making you consider changing from the pool filter sand?

Wow that much huh, I get it for 6 to 8 dollars for 50 lbs. Have you checked Home Depot. I get the Grizzly brand, its kind of white and don't have to rinse it. Just add to tank and fill. Crystal clear.

The reason we go with pool filter sand is because its more natural and several fish like to sift the sand.

__________________
SUCCESS IS MEASURED BY YEARS, NOT MONTHS!!!
220 Tank build
http://www.aquariumforum.com/f15/sta...late-3253.html

Currently I use a python vacuum to clean the gravel. If I switch the substrate to sand, will it be sucked out with wthe python? I guess a better question is, how do you clean the sand and how often.

FYI, I HAVE A 90 gallon bow front tank. My intended inhabitants are rams, apistagramma, kribs, clown loach and some tetras. I also had a thought of adding snails?

With sand you don't have to siphon right on it. All you have to do is hold it about 1/2 inch above the sand and kind of swirl it. What little sand that it does pick up will fall back down.

__________________
SUCCESS IS MEASURED BY YEARS, NOT MONTHS!!!
220 Tank build
http://www.aquariumforum.com/f15/sta...late-3253.html

Trying the clay substrate as a change of pace and coloration. It's finally starting to clear up plus I'm pretty sure the mineral content will be good for my plants!.. I'm also a planted tank freak. The clay substrate sells at Tractor Supply for 5 bucks for 40lbs. Bill in Va.

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12 Tanks, 900 gallons. Discus/Angels/Malawi/Lake Victorias. Just added a 135 & 2 - 29's..

Yes I have used it, but don't like the cloudiness for a few days so I top it off with pfs.

__________________
SUCCESS IS MEASURED BY YEARS, NOT MONTHS!!!
220 Tank build
http://www.aquariumforum.com/f15/sta...late-3253.html

I've got another 155 coming in tomorrow in exchange for a 75 (they wanted a smaller footprint)... Will dry fill the 155 with clay and top with pfs. I do like the color change of the clay though.. Bill in va.

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12 Tanks, 900 gallons. Discus/Angels/Malawi/Lake Victorias. Just added a 135 & 2 - 29's..

I have been wanting to go to the white sand substrate too. Nice tips on where to get it. I will go to local Home Depot and get some, I like the no rinsing over and over and still have cloudy water deal too!