Black sand and switching

[Binditheaxolotl]

Hi! I was thinking about switching my axolotls white sand ( she’s a leucy) to black sand to make her colors pop more. My tanks almost done cycling, and I was thinking of switching around Christmas when I plan to get some cherry shrimp. Would this mess my cycle up? It will be long done cycling by then but I don’t want to have to recycle it. Also, is any black sand safe for axies? I’m looking for a heavier sand, but light sand is fine as well.

 

[Calgarycoppers]

It may upset your cycle slightly as sand can hold alot of beneficial bacteria. You may need to do a mini cycle.

Black sand - there is 1 for cichlids never remember the brand but I have also used black diamond/black beauty blasting abrasive from tractor supply stores.

if you have am HOB and a sponge filter you should be okay but just test daily when you switch

 

[Binditheaxolotl]

It may upset your cycle slightly as sand can hold alot of beneficial bacteria. You may need to do a mini cycle.

Black sand - there is 1 for cichlids never remember the brand but I have also used black diamond/black beauty blasting abrasive from tractor supply stores.

if you have am HOB and a sponge filter you should be okay but just test daily when you switch

Okay, I have a HOB and stability so I will dose that after i switch. I also have live plants and driftwood which I know bacteria likes to grow on, which may help. I’ll look at those! I don’t know if you’ve seen the Seachem black sand, but they have them. Would those work as well? Edit: or maybe imagitarium sand?