Substrate for new aquarium

[theorris]

Hi,
I have a 330 litre aquarium being delivered next week. 150cm long.
Up to now I have used standard ( brownish ) sand as the substrate but I'm thinking about using black sand for the new aquarium.
I have a mixture of L046 Zebra's & L129 Chocolate Zebra's which I will put into the new aquarium and I wonder if the black sand will show them off better & make them feel better with the added darkness below them.
Let me know what you all think.
Regards ......... Gary.

[oetheous]

I can tell you what might happen.
With regular tan/white sand they will fade a bit, even their black stripes will be a bit faded. With the black sand, the fish will darken up, both the white and dark. Can't really say which sand will show them off best. Can't go wrong with either.

[theorris]

Well, I went for the standard sand with a number of slate & terracotta caves.
The plec's are looking good, with excellent colour. They spend a lot of the evening time sitting outside the caves on the sand, basking in the light & eating so I think they're happy.
Regards ........ Gary.

[Richard B]

How big/old are your fish? Do you have any concerns about hybridisation?

[theorris]

Hi Richard,
The L129's (x2) are about 3" and the L046's (x5) are from 1" to a little over 2", I don't know ages.
I didn't think they could cross breed ?

Regards .......... Gary

[nvcichlids]

Hypancistrus can easily hybridize.

[.Plecomania.]

yeah i'd separate them completely