Most of our cichlid buddies will acclimate fairly well to your water. I
guess it just depends on your choice. A lot of the Africans really could
not care less, as do the New World types. If you go for Apistos, Angels,
and Discus than your in real luck already.

Just because you read about folks producing liquid rock for their fish does
not mean its actually required to raise them effectively. The safest bet is
usually what your tap brings.

I would suggest buying a TDS meter (conductivity meter). Its the choice of
experience in the prevention of blowing out your fishes gills due to extreme
osmotic shocks. Many here just keep ranking about pH shock and virtues of
maintaining pinpoint pH accuracy, when really its the osmotic pressure thats
of most concern. Covers the Old and New Tank syndromes fairly well and is
of great importance when acclimating fish.



"Alan Silver"
wrote in
message ...
Hello,

I'm contemplating a cichlid tank, but have very soft water. My LFS
suggested using a crushed coral substrate and rocks of the sort that you
see in marine tanks as these would help harden the water.

Trouble is, I don't like the look of these rocks. They are too light. I
want something darker to contrast with the fish. I was wondering about
slate or granite (both of which seem to be common decoration for cichlid
tanks).

Anyone know if these rocks will be as effective as hardening the water
as the marine rock ? If not, any other suggestions ?

TIA

--
Alan Silver