What sand substrate and stones for shrimp community tank?

[ne0matr1x]

Hi AQ expert,

I'm a newbie here and want to ask about sand substrate and rocks compatible for planted tank with shrimps.

I'm planning to do a "river" scape. Here is the substrate and rocks:
- 85% Concept Soil (ph control of 6.7 +- 0.3, ideal for planted tanks and shrimps)
- 15% soil (Sudo bottom sand in orange/brown color or Sudo reef sand in beige color)
- 8 small pieces of brown pebbles* (about 3 - 5 cm size)
- 5 small pieces of granite rocks* (about 2 - 6cm size)
*Pebbles and granite rocks were taken from those garden parks and throughly washed and boiled to remove impurities.

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I went to an lfs asking for sand that is shrimp friendly with low Ph and he recommended me Sudo bottom sand (brown packaging) as it is cosmetic sand. But after a search on the net, found out that the Ph is 7.2. I'm also not satisfied with the color, wanted a very light brown/beige color.

I then went to another lfs asking for the same specs with lighter color and he told me Sudo reef sand is ok. Again he also says its cosmetic sand and can use. But I got back and saw marine fishes on the packaging and now is doubtful.

As for the brown pebbles and granite rocks, "sapu" them from the garden park and washed and boiled to be sure they are clean. But I've heard that some rocks not only alter the Ph but also other water parameters like hardness etc.

Here are my questions:
1. Which sand can I use? Sudo bottom sand (but don't like the color) or Reef Sand?
2. If both can't use what are other sand, cosmetic sand or alternative? It must have the same effect and light color that I've intended. Lapis?
3. Are the brown pebbles and granite rocks OK for use also? Will they alter the water parameters and safe for the shrimps?

Hope any AQ expert here can help.

[ne0matr1x]

Anybody here can give any advice?

[zapbranigan]

1) Reef sand is definitely a no-no, it will raise ph.
2) You could use shirui sand if you can find it. Others could be orinoco sand and etc from ADA.
3) Test the pebbles and granite with some drops of distilled vinegar. If it releases some bubbles means it will raise ph / gh in the tank and that also means you have to hunt for new rocks!

good luck!

[alvinchan80]

Here are my questions:
1. Which sand can I use? Sudo bottom sand (but don't like the color) or Reef Sand?
2. If both can't use what are other sand, cosmetic sand or alternative? It must have the same effect and light color that I've intended. Lapis?
3. Are the brown pebbles and granite rocks OK for use also? Will they alter the water parameters and safe for the shrimps?

1. What kind of shrimps are you keeping? I think most shrimps require soil that brings down the PH which mainly are dark colored soil.. unless you are going for sulawesi shrimps which i think is a shrimp that can live in a more alkaline water...
2. answer 1 should answer it as well.. for my knowledge, i am only able to give that much information..
3. As far as i know, most rocks will increase GH after some time except for Kurokinryu Rocks which is said not to change any of the water perimeters, this i got no concrete proof but seems like so for my tank. GH increase rocks will cause molting problems to shrimps and i would strongly discourage you from using them if possible.. (this applies to CRS as i am keeping them.. other shrimps has other requirements..)

[strategos]

can just use the Gex red packet soil? (cost aside)

[icefire]

yep totally can

[griffinkid]

1. What kind of shrimps are you keeping? I think most shrimps require soil that brings down the PH which mainly are dark colored soil.. unless you are going for sulawesi shrimps which i think is a shrimp that can live in a more alkaline water...

Hi I agree with that. Soil allows beneficial bacteria to manifest in the soil layer and your shrimps can feed on these micro-organisms as a supplement to their diet. The red packet GEX soil is made for shrimps too, so i think it will be better to use soil instead. In addition, with soil you can also plant some foreground plants so that the shrimps can feel more secured? with more hiding places. Good luck with your shrimp set up! Do update soon!