How many cichlids should I keep?

Is gravel a good substrate for a fish tank?

Gravel is a good choice of substrate, but that is really only the case for freshwater tanks. Gravel does not do a very good job at creating a good marine or reef habitat, but sand definitely does.

What are the different types of cichlid species?

If you’re into becoming a cichlid parent, you must realize that the variety of cichlid species is wide, including Malawi cichlids, Central American cichlids, Tanganyika cichlids, South American cichlids, etc.

What are the best aquarium plants for deep substrate?

Plants with large rootstocks like Aponogeton and Nymphaea. Plants with long stems like Hygrophila and Rotala that have shallow roots. Plants like Cryptocoryne and Echinodorus that are deep-rooted. To give you an idea of the depth of the substrate, you must consider the type of aquarium plants you are going to use.

How deep does substrate need to be for aquarium plants?

Substrate Depth. The deep-rooted ones will require the most depth. If they are planted in substrate that is not deep enough, the roots will become entangled and the aquarium plants will suffer from a lack of nutrients. The deep-rooted plants need at least a 6 cm deep substrate (2 to 3 inches).

Are aquarium plants deep or shallow rooted?

Some aquarium plants are deep rooting whilst others are shallow rooting. The general rule for deep rooted plants is a depth of two to three inches of substrate. You can reduce this to accommodate any shallow rooting plants.

How much sand for a saltwater aquarium?

Non-living sand is an option, but it costs about the same, and it is not as available in a lot of online vendors So, how much sand for a saltwater aquarium? It is recommended to use about 1 1/2 to 2 inches or around 1.4 pounds of sand per gallon. This would be around 75 pounds for a 55 gallon saltwater tank.

How much sand do you put in a 55 gallon tank?

It is recommended to use about 1 1/2 to 2 inches or around 1.4 pounds of sand per gallon. This would be around 75 pounds for a 55 gallon saltwater tank. (Note: This is for the average tank shape per volume.

How to plant aquarium plants in soil?

Planting the live aquarium plants in the soil is a pretty straightforward process. You just have to hold the roots of the plant with a tweezer and insert it into the substrate. Just make sure not to bury the plant too much into the substrate, just bury its roots. Best soil substrate for aquarium plants

Can plants grow in shallow water?

Many plants like the shade provided by gravel or stones when growing. However, this may not always be possible. So, one must consider the time of year, the depth of the water, and the type of the root structure of the plant. Then you can decide which plants can grow in shallow water plants safely.

Where do plants with shallow roots grow?

They grow on the underside of leaves and along the surface of the water. Plants with shallow roots tend to be Epiphytes which need very full sunlight to survive. Epiphytes are also known as the floating plants. There are several types of plants that have shallow roots and they come in a variety of colors and forms.

Why do some plants grow in aquariums?

Also, some terrestrial plants may be positioned so that their adventitious roots may actually enter the aquarium. It is the natural tendency of rooted plants for their roots to seek water and they grow in the direction of the source of water. As a general rule, pet shops that specialize in aquariums also carry live plants.

What kind of sand do you use for aquariums?

The microorganisms within your aquarium sand will assist in consuming organic waste within the substrate layer in addition to providing a natural source of food for many of the inhabitants. Regular types of sand such as beach or builders sand must be avoided at all costs.

What does aquarium sand do in an aquarium?

I’m not sure if you’re like me, but I feel this pressure to know what everything in my aquarium does. And that includes aquarium sands. One of the most basic functions of the substrate is to provide an aesthetic look and feel to a saltwater aquarium. It’s the perfect complement to your reef tank aquascaping.

How much saltwater aquarium sand should I add to my tank?

As a general rule of thumb, enough saltwater aquarium sand should be added to the tank to provide a 1-3/4 to 2 to 2-inch substrate layer. For a more accurate measurement, you should be using approximately 1.45 pounds of saltwater aquarium sand per gallon.

How much sand does it take to fill a 55 gallon?

This would be around 75 pounds for a 55 gallon saltwater tank. (Note: This is for the average tank shape per volume. The amount of sand will depend on the length and width of you aquarium.

How much substrate do I need for a fish tank?

how much substrate for a fish tank The traditional answer on the amount of gravel to be placed inside is approximately 1lbs of gravel per gallon. By adopting the traditional approach, you will get somewhere in the range of one inch or two of gravel.

How thick should the substrate be in a fish tank?

Substrate material should be between 3 and 8 mm thick. Large granules will block root growth and smaller ones can actually crush the roots. It is recommended when starting the tank that you add the substrate in phases. For example, mix the first layer of solid fertilizer, (remember – less is more) and place that in the tank.

How to build a healthy aquarium?

The substrate and plants, as well as the decoration, will impact on the health and conditions of your aquarium. Let the plants take root in the substrate, extract algae and any other build up, and setup the filtration system before adding fish species.

Do aquarium plants need soil substrate?

You can even keep live aquarium plants in your tank without any substrate. However, planting the live aquarium plants in soil substrate is beneficial because it provides nutrients to the plants. Why is it beneficial to plant aquarium plants in soil substrate?

Can aquarium plants grow above water?

Many aquarium plants are happy to grow above water and some also produce attractive flowers. If the aquarium is in a relatively low position the aquascape can be easily viewed from above, giving it a more natural pond/pool-like appearance.

Why are deep-bodied fish not suitable for a large aquarium?

However, the dimensions of such an aquarium render it unsuitable for deep-bodied fish. Water evaporation is quicker because of that large surface area and it increases with more surface agitation and higher water temperatures.

Why choose a shallow aquarium?

If the aquarium is in a relatively low position the aquascape can be easily viewed from above, giving it a more natural pond/pool-like appearance. Shallow aquariums are also easy to maintain.

What is the difference between a shallow and reef tank?

A reef tank, or aquarium, acts as a display unit for live corals. Reef tanks can either be shallow or deep. Each has its advantages and drawbacks. Picking one over the other depends on your personal preference. Shallow reef tanks are between 7 to 20 inches deep.

What do shallow pond plants need to survive?

Shallow pond plants are rooted in the substrate, so they need a good, thick, and nutrient rich substrate to survive. They often have long stems with leaves or flowers that poke out well past the water’s surface. They like to have lots of sunlight in general, so putting them in a well-lit area is a must.