Black Sand or White Sand for frontosa

[fishman1]

Some say that black sand is better because it doesn't reflect the light? and that with a darker environment the frontosas will feel more at home? Some say that the black sand makes the frontosa have darker more blueish colors is this true?

Or can I just use pfs with aragonite? Any thoughts? And if I were using black sand which kind should I get for a large tank without the hefty price? I think it was some kind of blasting sand or something?
Would blasting sand be rough against the fish and hurt them?

[aquabee]

Some say that black sand is better because it does reflect the light? and that with a darker environment the frontosas will feel more at home? Some say that the black sand makes the frontosa have darker more blueish colors is this true?

Or can I just use pfs with aragonite? Any thoughts? And if I were using black sand which kind should I get for a large tank without the hefty price? I think it was some kind of blasting sand or something?

You can use any fine sand for them. The males love to flash in the sand and spray it around. Blasting sand is cheap, but you can get PFS for really cheap too.

You'll see a ton of very strong opinions on here about sand color for frontosa. My mobas looked absolutely amazing on the black sand I had (Tahitian moon sand by CaribSea). I put them from the bucket into the tank and within about 15 seconds, they were very dark and their blues just popped. I don't know if they necessarily feel more at home, but even when they used to pass over the lighter rocks, they would pale a little. I loved watching them on the black sand, but that's just a personal opinion. :)

[aquabee]

Hopefully this'll help you decide. Here's pics. Sorry for the sucky quality.

[fishman1]

They look amazing but unfortunately tahitan black sand costs quite a bit.

[aquabee]

Very true.

[danielp]

Go on Caribe Sea's web site and look around.

I didn't want to use sand in my front tank so i went with a fine peace river small gravel.

f i was to replace my gravel i would go with crushed coral. I think it has good buffering traits that's good for cichlids.

[fishman1]

I think I might just go with 1 or 2 50lb bags of pfs with aragonite sand mixed in

[myjohnson]

I would get pfs, cheap and looks natural!

[fishman1]

Would blasting sand hurt them? and be too rough?

[danielp]

Would blasting sand hurt them? and be too rough?

I've heard of people using it.

I wouldn't.

Blasting sand is a rough sand. It may also contain other properties that are not good for fish.

[fishman1]

I've read more and most sites say that when keeping Moba Zaires you get that really nice blueish almost purple color with a darker substrate and background. I would change my background which is painted that sky blue sorta to black but the tank is currently running and the tank is inserted into a huge stand (huge canopy with 2 columns each next to the tank as furniture kinda hard to explain) which would take alot to move and turn around and scape off the sky blue and add a black vinyl background. So I would have to use black sand which would be kinda expensive and get dark smooth rock and boulders for decorations

[fishman1]

Or I'll just use pfs and dark rocks like this front.jpg

[eklikewhoa]

Having kept mobas I prefer light background and substrate but this only works with quality cyphos since imperfections will show.

Nice defined lines with rich blues showing is my preference. I had mine over dark substrate and though the black and blues were dark it washed the lines.

[fishman1]

Thanks the ones I'm getting seem to be of pretty high quality.

[moganman]

I always thought black absorbed light. Not reflected it. I took a survival course in west texas and we were taught how to trap water with clear bags, or black bags. Black bags trap more water and.