Carib Sea
Carib Sea African Cichlid Mix Sahara Sand Natural Aquarium Substrate 20 Pound Bag
Carib Sea African Cichlid Mix Sahara Sand Natural Aquarium Substrate 20 Pound Bag
Couldn't load pickup availability
Product features
Product features
Materials and care
Materials and care
[Generic] 100% Natural Calcium Carbonate-based Aragonite sand.
Share
- Directly Sourced From USA
- Premium Quality & Authenticity
- 7 Day Easy Return

Product Description
Create a vibrant, natural aquatic environment with Carib Sea African Cichlid Mix Sahara Sand. This premium, calcium carbonate-based aragonite substrate is specifically engineered to replicate the natural lake bed conditions of the African Rift Lakes. By naturally dissolving, it helps maintain an ideal, stable pH range between 7.8 and 8.2, eliminating the need for constant chemical water buffers and protecting your fish from dangerous pH drops. The Sahara Sand features a fine grain size of approximately 0.5 to 1.5 millimeters, making it perfectly suited for bottom-dwelling and sifting species. This texture encourages healthy, instinctual foraging, digging, and nest-building behaviors, particularly for featherfins. Beyond its functional benefits, the natural aesthetic of this substrate enhances the clarity of your water and makes the true, brilliant colors of your African Cichlids stand out. Whether you are setting up a new freshwater tank or maintaining an established system, this 20-pound bag provides the necessary foundation for a thriving, healthy ecosystem. This authentic USA-imported product is the ideal choice for hobbyists who want to provide their cichlids with the best possible living conditions. Please note that as this is a natural, unwashed product, a thorough rinsing in a bucket is required before adding it to your aquarium to ensure water clarity.
FAQ
Q1. What size and dimensions is my aquarium?
Ans: A 20-pound bag is generally recommended for creating a 1 to 2 inch layer of substrate. You can use an online aquarium substrate calculator by entering your tank's length and width to determine exactly how many bags you need for your specific setup.
Q2. Can I use this sand in a freshwater aquarium?
Ans: Yes, this sand is designed for freshwater aquariums. It is specifically formulated to buffer the water to the higher pH and hardness levels required by African Cichlids.
Q3. Is 7.4 pH okay for African cichlids?
Ans: Most African Cichlids from the Rift Lakes thrive in a pH range of 7.8 to 8.2. While 7.4 is acceptable for some species, using this buffering substrate helps raise and maintain the water parameters closer to their natural, ideal habitat.
Q4. Are these products authentic and imported from the USA?
Ans: Yes, all products sold by Rudra Retails are 100% authentic and sourced directly from the USA. We ensure you receive genuine imported quality for your aquarium needs.
Q5. Can African cichlids live in a 20 gallon tank?
Ans: Generally, a 20-gallon tank is quite small for most African Cichlids, as they can be territorial and grow to be quite active. It is usually recommended to have a larger tank, typically starting at 55 gallons or more, to ensure a healthy and peaceful environment.