Best substrate for congo

[Bonsai_girl]

I know they should have sand but I've got two questions:

- Is there a type of sand that's best for them?
- Is fine gravel a possibility?

Thanks

[Rocker]

any aquatic sand is best.

[Pufferpunk]

About 3" deep. Don't decorate the tank too heavily, as you will need to thoroughly stir the sand weekly.

[Bonsai_girl]

Ok thanks for the help both of you.

[Bonsai_girl]

Sorry, just another quick Q. I'm about to buy Caribsea white marine sand (pH and KH inert), but the manufacturer's website says it's not safe for burrowers. Am I right in assuming this doesn't apply to the congo and is ok to buy?

Yeah, I know I'm asking a lot of questions, but at least I'm researching before I leap

[Bonsai_girl]

*still haven't placed my order yet - bump*

Is the substrate mentioned above ok for congos and their burrowing?

[crazedpuffer]

I think that stuff buffers the PH so no.

[Bonsai_girl]

I think that stuff buffers the PH so no.

Well, that's what I assumed as well, but going by the FAQ button on Caribsea's product page (under the product itself) and the stockist I'd order it from it seems it's safe for FW and pH inert?

See, this is why I've been hesitating to order it

[Pufferpunk]

Don't they sell sand at your LFS or local garden store?

[Bonsai_girl]

Yeah they do, I'm just being fussy over the colour. Blame my other half - it's mainly to keep him happy.

Would you recommend bog-standard aquarium sand over the stuff above then?

[Pufferpunk]

Defibnately--I have 75% black sand & 25% red gravel to keep his color red.

[Bonsai_girl]

Ah ok, see this is where we're sorta on the same wavelength. The only bog-standard stuff I can find is, well, sand coloured. Nothing particularly exciting, hence trying to find something a bit more unusual (if you can call white unusual). Would love to find black or red sand

[Pufferpunk]

Got it at my LFS.