choirmaster

Thanks so much! The cichlid tank has a “cichlid substrate” of basically ground shells and small rocks (and this is also the tank with the large rocks. The tank has been closed the entire time, so I’m pretty sure it would just be stuff that would’ve been inside or able to grow inside. The substrate in the smaller tank with water still in it is just gravel. thanks for your help!

A couple years ago, for various reasons, I took my three tanks “offline”. I had a 55g cichlid tank that did really well for years, and it still has the rocks and substrate in it. I had a smaller, big box store all in one acrylic that I’ve never been thrilled with because of the high flow, and it still has some water in it with substrate. And my third tank was a reef tank that lasted until it got overrun with issues (it is basically cleaned out. Now I want to “reboot” my aquarist passion, and am looking to do some terraria, different sized tanks, etc. I hope you enjoy coming with me on this journey. But first I have a question: can I use the substrate? As is? With some work? Or does it need to be pitched? How about the large rocks in the cichlid tank? I will love it if you’re able to share your knowledge and join me on my “reboot” 🙂 thanks!