You Won't Believe the Difference Black Diamond Blasting Sand Makes

[@KaveManAquatics]

🐟 Want to Learn Everything about African Cichlids? Start here for Free! event.webinarjam.com/channel/KaveMan-Aquatics

[@r0syyyy]

I know you didn’t ask for opinions, but again, I love how you get to the point and are so informative while you narrate.

[@KaveManAquatics]

I did ask, lol 🤣 At the very end...but I'm glad you left one anyway! Glad to hear you enjoyed the video as well

[@nicsu2128]

Sand cleaning hack for you. Cut the 2 top corners off, turn the hose on, push the hose to the bottom of the bag and let it run for 5 minutes. After 5 min. Using the hose, stir the sand around a bit and again let it run for 5 minutes. After doing this a couple times you will see the water coming out is crystal clear.

[@brianholbrook4159]

@@nicsu2128 brilliant. Thanks!!!!!!!

[@elrenegadowranglerx9193]

Minute 16:42 RUN!!! LOL the black sand give your set up a more elegant view . . . I have little tiny brown and black rivers stones like inside my tank and I’m loving it . . . Keep up with the good work . . . Btw todays video editing was great

[@KaveManAquatics]

lol...Thanks! My editor will be glad to hear that! 😊

[@DebbieD7777]

I really loved the look of the white sand , but the diamond black brings out the deep color of all the fish beautiful i think it was worth it😍

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks, me too! 😊

[@FifaAirsoftDad]

I’m kind of new to the hobby got a 44gallon Fluval shaker, it kept staying cloudy no matter ho many water changes I done, so I watched your videos I got a wave maker and added a small sponge filter even doing your method with the air stone water has been clear for over a week now. Thank you!

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁

[@tinacox4999akadirtysouth]

Thanks for ALL that you do to help us all !!!!! I've learned a lot from you and StILL gotta a lot to learn.

[@laronwerlinger9249]

Nice man!! Not only cool to watch, but very visually informative and takes a little of the fear away of soon doing it myself!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks bro, glad you enjoyed it!! 😊

[@rohoaqualuna6356]

Beautiful man!! I have my mbunas on a black sand substrate and have a large piece of Texas holey rock and about 7 pieces of dry rock in my 75 along with about 10 other rocks that leach small amounts of minerals, and I've been able to keep my PH stable at about 8.2 or so. You'll love the black sand, it will really make the colors pop on your fish, and considering they were already nicely colored up it should show up even more. Loved the video and appreciate the share!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Very nice! Glad you enjoyed the video 😊

[@brianholbrook4159]

Question please... would this substrate be ok for Geophagus??? wondering how the eartheaters would fare sifting thru it??

[@KaveManAquatics]

Absolutely! 😁

[@KornOnDaKob69]

Finally! I’ve been waiting to see this! Thanks for sharing and all you do for this hobby. I absolutely love your videos. You have a great attitude and personality. You explain things so well. I had a bad experience with this sand but after watching you do this maybe I’ll give it another try

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you for those positive words! Glad you're enjoying the channel! 😊

[@RyanDahn]

Black sand looks great! I always thought black brought out most color of your fish better than white. I have black in my 75g with my South American cichlids and they look awesome. Btw…you should do a video featuring an update on your tank with South/Central American Cichlids! We always get the African updates. Maybe do one for the other one? Love your page!

[@KaveManAquatics]

It is definitely time for an American Update, it's on my list for sure 😊

[@scottgordin9709]

Looks sweet!!! I have sand and pea gravel in my 125 S.American cichlids tank and have been removing some of the sand every time I do water changes cause my Oscars love to spit sand into the FX6’s I have on the tank. The way I remove the sand is, I use a bucket out in the flower garden and put the end of the hose in the bucket to catch as much sand as possible and the over flow waters my wife’s flowers, usually get about two inches of sand at each water change. And after the sand gets a good flush, I put it in my African cichlids tank so they can move it where ever they like.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Nice, great system! 😊

[@kimgaither6965]

I have a 125 with black diamond sand and I love it. I just reset my tank yesterday from OB peacocks to BRP's, Arowana, Bichirs and a Fire eel. My BRP are 7 inches and needed the larger tank. You definitely have to keep up on maintenance with this sand. I use two FX6's and HOB. Great video.. I just switched over to Seachem products by watching your videos.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thats cool, thanks for the tip! 😊

[@georgeluna8050]

How many bag of black diamond did u need for 125 tank

[@kimgaither6965]

@@georgeluna8050 I used 3/50lb bags. I had OB peacocks in the tank first and live plants. The OB's moved the sand around to make hills/valleys. With that much sand, you do need to keep up on cleaning the sand. I would do my water changes and clean 1/3 of the tank at a time so I would not loose my beneficial bacteria. I love it. My OB's are in two other tanks and I just moved my 7 inch BRP's and a pleco to the 125. They love it.

[@snoopdogg734]

Great video as always. ..black sand is the way to go. I have black sand in one of my tanks, I have MTS as well and I am in the process of changing all my tanks to black sand. Really makes the colors pop on the fish. Appreciate you sharing!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro, my guys colors are looking great! Glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@sosonic12000]

Very entertaining to watch Mr K… Nice music and good comedy also 🤣🤣. Loving it in London.. ✌️

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it all the way from London!! 😊

[@tamera6853]

Hi, Kev! I appreciated your advise on Tank Redo with Black sand. I'm happy to say, 20 yrs in the Hobby, I've done Many successful re dos. And I already use your 50 new/50 old new water combination in the tubs!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thats great to hear! Love positive feedback from the veterans of the hobby! Glad the channel has been helpful for you! 😊

[@davidwayneprins]

I swapped my 30 from white gravel to black sand a little over a year ago. Used not quite a full bag. Although I did it without removing the fish but during a 50% water change. . Made it easier for my plants to grow (it's some kind of a Val. Forget what type exactly-it sends out runners under the sand similar to dune grass-can you tell I'm from Michigan). And most of my stones are lighter in color so the contract is really something.

[@KaveManAquatics]

I agree with lighter stones the contrast looks great. Tried a substrate swap a year ago with fish in and it stressed them out way too much. Thats why this time I decided to remove them. Glad it worked out well for you though.

[@Agentshadowolf]

Glad you used black diamond sand, I did the same process changing my substrate to me this two weeks ago and I couldn't be happier. Yeah that sand does take forever to get clean but it's worth it and makes bright and colorful fish pop out more. One thing I would give you a notice about is to check your filters because that stuff will dirty them up quickly and you will need to clean all your biomedia and everything in there at some point

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks for the tip my bro! 😊💪

[@finnwiggles28]

WOW! I already thought your tanks were A-MAZING, but this black sand just brings GORGEOUS to the next level!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro! Appreciate that! 😊

[@HotPockets88]

Well I did it I bought enough blasting sand for my 125 gallon and my 150 gallon high gonna be a big project weekend!!!! Super excited to try it out but honestly I'm a little nervous.....

[@KaveManAquatics]

Nothing to be nervous about my bro. Do it just like I did it and your guys will be fine! They are in good hands!! 😁💪

[@dondimelo6777]

I completely agree with the 100 percent water change as long as they are used to it. Great vid

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro! Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@tommybunk2292]

Looks bad ass Kev !!! I think it made the colors of the fish really stand out. John on KG Tropicals made a tank all black...sand, background, and décor ( given... it was a new tank) then stocked it full of Yellow Labs. The fish really stand out "fluoresced" like salt water fish.

[@KaveManAquatics]

That was a great idea! Im glad you like it 😁

[@joanbroad3528]

Hi KM, so glad I found you! You make it so easy to follow your information, what I absolutely love is your positive attitude. I set up a replacement tank following your instructions to use Prime and Stability, everyone else said ‘you can’t do that’ but I listened to you!!! Thank you so much. Xxx

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you so much! Glad you found the channel too! 😊 Happy to hear that your replacement tank is doing well!

[@joanbroad3528]

@@KaveManAquatics wow thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me, I’m honoured xx

[@michaeljohnston4167]

I always do like 80% water changes every single week no issues. Did a 100% to re paint my background and install a new stand no issues. That black sand looks great!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Nice! Big Water changes for the win! 😊

[@chadwilliams795]

That black diamond makes the fish colors POP awesome job Kev

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks bro, I agree! 😊

[@ncrstudios8192]

Do you know the difference between the bag that just says slag like the one you have, and the one that says coal slag? All tractor supply stores I’ve been to only have the coal slag version

[@KaveManAquatics]

I believe the difference is in the grain size.

[@fisherboy49]

As usual another great video, thanks for sharing with us. That black sand, oohwee is awesome I can't wait to see how it works out for you. I might have to try that in my over stock 75 gallon.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro, glad you enjoyed it. I'll be keeping you guys posted on the tank and the fish 😊

[@yak6896]

Dig your content man. Straight to the point, and humble with a sense of humour. You learn from your mistakes and share it with us. You learn everyday, and it's nice that you share the knowledge with us. Cheers!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Appreciate that positive feedback! Glad to hear you're enjoying the channel! 😊

[@shawnsaquaticlife9714]

I used Black Diamond in my mixed pleco tank..Love the look and since my boys don't need a high PH and perfer softer water its perfect for my setup..Cheaper as well..we all know this hobby can get expensive at times..Looks good Kev 👏🏽👏🏽👍🏽👍🏽💪🏾💪🏾

[@KaveManAquatics]

It absolutely can break the bank! And you cant beat the price of this sand! Thanks for watching bro!

[@shawnsaquaticlife9714]

@@KaveManAquatics Let me know if you have a PO Box I would love to send you a few things to review

[@tommyg1502]

Tank lookin good as always. Loving the black sand and how u showed us the process. Gives me faith I can do the same to my tank when needed. Also the editing is 🔥. My man Kev on another level.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you my bro, glad you enjoyed it! 😁 Look forward to seeing your setup in the facebook group!

[@jeromepedro5486]

Nice video Kev. I have just two comments though: 1. I would rinse the sand first before everything else so it will be ready once you take out all the sand in the tank and the fish will not have to wait in the tote. 2. In my opinion, having black sand is more beautiful if you have a black background as well, fishes’ will really pop up. Still a great video.

[@KaveManAquatics]

1. You're absolutely right about that. I actually should have rinsed the sand a day before to make sure it was ready, BUT to my surprise this black diamond sand didnt need much rinsing at all. Only 1 hour of rinse and tank was pretty clear at the end. 1 day later it was completely clear 😊 2. I like the contrast of the light gray background and rocks with the dark black sand 😊 Beauty of this hobby is we can all have our tanks just the way we like it, nobody's way is wrong 😁

[@kiddt1999]

Kev i would love to see you experiment with a saltwater style setup with freshwater. Same bioload but with a sump, filter socks, a protein skimmer, and a refugium. If there is a chaeto type algae you can grow in your sump for freshwater, i would love to see it. My 300 gallon saltwater systems nitrates hover around 5-10ppm. I only do 20% biweekly water changes to supplement trace elements for my reef. I feed twice a day. I am willing to bet you would never have to do water changes for freshwater. Just add an ato to keep your water volume up and sit back and watch. I would love to see you try this!

[@KaveManAquatics]

I havent moved over to sumps because my canisters already do a great job at keeping the tank clean and clear. And I hardly touch them at all. I do weekly water changes because of the high nitrate levels but also for the benefits of remineralize those trace elements for the fish. While a sump would help in reducing nitrate levels if I had a refugium going, it still would change my water change frequency, not much anyway. When I do pull the trigger to trying a saltwater tank, im hoping to dive into sumps as well. 😉

[@kiddt1999]

@@KaveManAquatics yeah i had my first saltwater tank with fluval fx6 canisters and they just allow too many nutrients into the water. I change my filter socks on my big tank every 4-5 days. Throw them in the washing machine with bleach and they are good as new. Wait until you have a bunch first of course. Kev i haven’t looked back.

[@kiddt1999]

@@KaveManAquatics kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3rHla1vr6lrpdE Waterbox has amazing tanks and their plumbing is super easy to set up. I went with their reef lx 320. I will post a video in a few weeks. My system is almost 1 year old.

[@Dahmer4949]

Bro your tank looks absolutely gorgeous awesome work man

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro, glad you like it! 😊

[@miguelcintron7048]

Looks amazing bro, I just set a 125 gallon tank with Geophagus and Severums and I used the same sand. Couldn’t be happier with the look of the black sand, oh thanks for recommending that wave maker it’s working great

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁

[@roberthernandez5685]

Awesome videos young man keep it up!

[@lvstogofst2002]

I literally just switched my cihlid tank over to black diamond yesterday!! I approached the PH issue in this fashion. I have an FX4 running my 75, and i took my old tidal 110, and i used it for polishing ( filter floss ) and now for a largeg 4x12" filter bag completely full of crushed coral. Also, since i have a 75 gal, i used 100 lbs of the black diamond and i took 3- 4x12 filter bags and filled them 50% with crushed coral, and buried them underneath my substrate. So have 4 filter bags of crushed coral for my 75 gal tank. We'll see how it works out!!!!

[@lvstogofst2002]

Also, my fish have much better color over black sand vs white sand. I had originally had white regular sand, then i switched to black rock substrate, but didn't like the texture, now the black diamond really seems to be the answer I love, as far as appearance. I've never had a PH buffer to begin with, and my water usually runs around 7.2-7.4, so the crushed coral probably won't help me get much higher than 7.4-7.6 anyways, but it'll help keep it from crashing if that's gonna happen. have fun!!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thats a great idea, crushed coral under the sand! I like it. It will help in getting the PH up there depending on how much you used in each bag. Glad to hear the black is bringing out your guys color! Thanks for the feedback

[@lvstogofst2002]

@@KaveManAquatics I've got approx. 15 pounds of crushed coral in the filter bags. I'll keep an eye on the PH and see where it goes. I've never really varied from 7.2 naturally. Only recently have i decided to start buffering and trying to increase it. They've been "surviving not thriving" on 7.2, and as we know.. we want them to thrive!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yes Sirrr! 🤣

[@carlossanchez7577]

I love it I’m so happy to see it and I gotta show you my new 220 I’m so appreciative you helped me convince my girl now I got a 120 and a 220

[@KaveManAquatics]

Nice! Glad I could help with that lol 🤣

[@gevkias2397]

Hi, learning finer points, your deep knowledge is superb, thanks for the very informative video

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪

[@clairn3737]

Thanks so much for this, Kev! Loving the dustpan scoop idea and the bowl to calm the water down from making a massive crater in the sand. What I would say re cleaning of sand is: 1) I'm not as strong as you so I would clean one bag at a time and 2) am on a water meter in old Blighty so have before now used an old pillow case (like how they used to make cheese). Then I plonk it in the tank and turn it inside out. Then keep going back and forth until I eventually bin the case. Gotta love charity shops for random pillow cases! However, not here to preach, just thought I'd chuck that out there as an alternative for anyone who's as tight as I am for wasting water 😂 Thanks so much for the whole video though, I learned some great stuff from you, as always. And yes, that black sand looks Classy! Respect and love your way, xx

[@KaveManAquatics]

Those are great tips Clair! Glad you enjoyed the video! 😁

[@Dan-nr3om]

I absolutely love black diamond media. Cannot beat the look or the price

[@kristinabarkovic4525]

Love your editing of this video and your humor 😺🫶🏻 The “Run” and fast action music lol. 😆🤣

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😁

[@garybragg9527]

Hope it works out. I just had to pull the same black sand out of my big tank because the fish all went dark and lost their color with the black sand. Had white pool filter sand previously and they was extremely colorful. It wasn't my Cichlid tank hough and heard it varies between species so hopefully works out. I had changed it in my brackish tank with Datnoids, Scats and monos and they got so dark it was hard to see them looking down. (Believe it a defense mechanism in some fish for overhead predators like birds and larger fish). Appreciate the videos

[@KaveManAquatics]

I hear you, and heard that concern before. But I've seen enough tanks with black sand with awesome colored fish to give it a try. So far so good, My guys are just as colorful as always 😊

[@HoleForRabbits]

One of the best videos yet, Mr Bean 'magic'... I nearly died hahaha Then you drop Ainsley Harriot, these little clips are super necessary!! Nice to change the tank up every now and then! In my humble opinion I preferred the white sand you had as the tank as a whole looked brighter and slightly more vibrant to my eyes.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad you enjoyed the video! I thought the same at first but my eyes just needed a little getting used to the new sand, and now I love it 😁

[@lisaross6068]

Hi. Just joined today and absolutely love how you explain slow enough for me to follow and completely understand. On your full cleaning the tank l did not see how or with what you used in cleaning the glass. Thanks 👍 On to your next video.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Welcome aboard! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! I use a simple scrub brush you can find on amazon. Here's a direct link there - amzn.to/3ZeELMK

[@KevinLee-pq5sm]

Great job cleaning out subtract with your dust pan 😅 and you used the same substrate as I do brother.. now put you some crushed coral in your filters .. because Idk do that when I added my black shoot blasting sand in and I could never get my PH up for my Rainbows 🌈.. love all your videos ❤

[@nunya___]

I rinse handfuls in a collider catching the small particles in a 5 gallon bucket. When all is washed, I wash the small stuff with a tea strainer. Small loads seem to go faster IMO.

[@jlmm3968]

Nice job best way I found to clean sand is buy a drywall mud mixer for your drill and mix that sand till it’s crystal clear,

[@KaveManAquatics]

Great tip!

[@adamsantos5649]

Looks amazing, I’ve been wanting to use the Black Diamond method for substrate, thank you for posting…

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@navidhindsa1643]

Hi kave i live in canada .can i put that kind of big tank on my main floor of house?i want to buy 125 gallon tank

[@danielmadrid7346]

KEV! What you do that for? The white was so perfect! O well still looks good but the white was so clean and bright looking but still looks amazing with the black. Like your video ,nice editing. LETZZ GOOOOO!!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

lol, I hear you. It's all personal preference. I'm over the white and was time for a change. I love the look of the black also 😁

[@cindydiaz3867]

where did you get your canopy i want one for my 55 gallon tank its looks so boujee

[@robwsly]

I’m loving all the knowledgeable info given in your video’s, I also have black diamond sand in my 125g from TSC gives an amazing new look to the scape! Loving the new look, keep up the grate content!!!🐟🐟🐟

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro, I am loving the black too! Glad you enjoyed the video 😁💪

[@brett_Thorpe]

Awesome... Kev. Great video. Thanks buddy for sharing the great info. You are a rock star !!!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro, glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@danieljeffries6430]

Awesome Kev I’m gonna use that idea 💡 for Black Sand for me aquarium, I’m glad you are doing a Great job with the Content and the endorsement’s , keep up the Great 👍🏿 Work that you do .

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you my bro, Glad you enjoyed it!! 😁💪

[@debkleinschmidt4490]

Looks amazing with the black sand. nice choice!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you Deb! 😊

[@troyhamilton6639]

KaveMan, do you have end caps on your background? I ordered one with ends on it, but now I'm worried the if I hide the heaters and intakes behind my background, my canister filters won't operate at optimum efficiency. It' a 110 gallon with an FX6 and an FX4. I've got 12ish adolescent cichlids, one pleco, and 3 blue lobsters. What are your thoughts?

[@miyabisaiki5003]

Looks like black gold to me. It really fits perfectly with the decor.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks!! 😊

[@johnwilliams4806]

Looks great Kev nice job.

[@Steveo0889]

Thank you soooo much, been looking for Black sand for my Cichlid tank. Caribsea black sand is not cutting it for me to large of a grain.

[@KaveManAquatics]

I agree. That was one of my choices but I didnt like the grain size. It also had to much white in it.

[@lboogie738aquatics]

Dope ass video bro. Keep the great content coming. These videos definitely make me enjoy the hobby more and more

[@KaveManAquatics]

Happy to hear it! Glad you're enjoying the channel 😊

[@travmanwilliams]

Hello, Did you need to apply dechlorinator to the new water before transfering anyone back to the tank? or was this assumed as covered by the tub water, already 5x dosed?

[@melissaeyles2531]

Love your show!!! oh I have a gravel pit behind my house and I’m curious if I can use the rocks in that to fill my tank?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Sure, just make sure to wash and rinse them thoroughly 😁

[@melissaeyles2531]

@@KaveManAquatics You’re the best!! Thx!!

[@mrwemslie]

You always make the best videos Kev! It looks great!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪

[@Qsly1]

How and where did you get and install the aquarium background

[@KaveManAquatics]

All my backgrounds are from aquadecorbackgrounds.com Tell them KaveMan sent you, lol Also use code Kaveman10 at checkout for a 10% discount 😊

[@Qsly1]

@@KaveManAquatics thanks 🫡

[@nileshnarayan801]

Hi just wanna know if I have black background and back sand will my african cichlids lose colour

[@KaveManAquatics]

It may seem that way because not as much light will reflect back on them, but no, they themselves will not lose color. 😊

[@fernandocano2301]

Hi! What Grit size is the sand you used?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Its the medium size bag, not sure of actual size of the sand

[@amazingaquaticsandexotics3030]

0:30 this would be a good cheap method to house larger fish like goldfish, smaller cichlids etc

[@KaveManAquatics]

Absolutely

[@fishydior8833]

How are you going to handle the silicates that will come with this sand?

[@KaveManAquatics]

The tank is mature enough to balance out any excess silicates. Not concerned with it at all 😊

[@otiswilliams7266]

Shop vac was a great idea. How many bags of this sand would you say I need in a 75g? Thanks in advance

[@KaveManAquatics]

Probably just 1 for a thin bed, 2 for a thick bed.

[@otiswilliams7266]

@@KaveManAquatics ok thank you

[@jeffb5785]

I always admired the stone looking background in your tanks but you revealed all the things it hides in this video, and now I like it even more. I have for years just painted the glass on the back but I'm considering the in tank stone background.

[@KaveManAquatics]

They are awesome backgrounds. You should definitely check out my install videos of them. Heres a playlist - kzbin.info/aero/PLP5OXTIIDO8OsxJH3OGOa1uwnS8vs3RrV And if you decide to the pull the trigger, All my backgrounds are from aquadecorbackgrounds.com Tell them KaveMan sent you, lol Also use code Kaveman10 at checkout for a 10% discount 😊

[@salvadorrodriguez4708]

Tank looks great thank you for sharing I’ve done my 220 with blood parrot cichlids zebra cichlids albino cichlids clown loaches and albino Pleco‘s in a few jewel fishes and thanks to Your channel everyone who comes to the house says that the tank looks amazing your pal Sal NYC 🗽

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thats awesome, glad to hear it!! 😊

[@peasandhapsforever110]

Great video love the black sand. I use two nets to catch my fish works great

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks! Yea I wish I had a second net during the project but had to keep moving 😊

[@GiannisGorrese]

Hello, what brand is this sand and where can I buy it?

[@nishantgeorge]

Superb!!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks!

[@BlueJuice7]

Great job by the way. It looks fantastic!!!!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you so much 😀

[@ClaudiaMartinez-wv6zf]

Is it a good idea to replace 75% of my aquarium gravel? I have small left over shrimp brine and sometimes that i cant quite seem to vaccum up properly, as well as the blue gravel seems faded yet stained. Any tips? Perhaps my vaccum technique is off

[@KaveManAquatics]

You can if you wanted to. But like mentioned in the video you'll lose some beneficial bacteria. Dosing prime and Stability for a few days after your substrate change will help prevent your cycle from crashing.

[@markniccolls5602]

looks good with black sand fish really pop

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks, glad you like it!

[@sage4947]

So cool! Seemed pretty clean behind that background. You’ve convinced me to get one and I’ll be adding a wave maker etc to help if there is room. Talking about PH here and adding substrate elsewhere makes me think … time for a sump build?! 🤔 would love to see it!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Saving the sump for the Saltwater tank...someday 😊

[@southerncharmed4118]

@KaveManAquatics do you know if you can use tap water that has a water softener on it? I’m on a well but recently had to add a softener due to high calcium levels, but now I don’t know if I can use it on my freshwater planted tank? Ive been buying RO water from the grocery store for water changes.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Using soft water isnt an issue if thats what your fish need. If your fish need hard water than you'll have to add in minerals to adjust your parameters.

[@mrswiggles2012]

you should mention the grade of the black sand. I use the same kind from Tractor supply.

[@KaveManAquatics]

I thought showing the bag would have been enough but you're right I should have said the words. It's medium grade in the black bag, not the red.

[@xenic0770]

I love that substrate. I've been using it in every tank in my fish room.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Nice! Im loving it too!

[@mraquaticnews5676]

Tanks popping with black substrate!! Good content!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yes Sirrr, thank you bro! 😊

[@itswhateva1148]

I have a question that doesn't have to do with this video. What is a good battery back up pump to get. I have 2 75gal 1 45gal and 1 35gal

[@KaveManAquatics]

I have a link to the one I use in the description of every video. Here's a specific video I did on it as well - kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5Kqf3Ski5aNmZI

[@itswhateva1148]

Thank u very much. Keep the videos up man very educational and now I went from 1 tank to 4

[@craigjoseph8733]

Hey Kev, i have a 120g non-planted Aquarium, how long should I have my lights on for a day ???

[@KaveManAquatics]

8 hours or less 😊

[@patrickscerra8149]

14:30 ......just incase anyone needed to know the important part of the video. Bro pulling out all the stops

[@KaveManAquatics]

LOL, Knew you'd get a kick out of that! Meant to shout out by voice but it was a crazy day and I forgot to do it while filming lol

[@fish.things]

You're so amazing bro! 😬 Sending love from Philippines 🇵🇭

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪

[@MrTonyJ]

Are there any totes like the thicker black ones that you could safely put a heater in?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Im sure a heater isnt going to cause any problems in a tote.

[@here_4_the_commentz]

Yup to everything 👍🏽 keep myth busting and showing new school fish keeping ✨

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yes Ma'am! Will do 😁

[@mikesmith-wk7vy]

What kind of hose does that pump use? Right now for my 55gal I use a 300gph pump and a food grade garden hose , I’m planning on moving up to a 180gal and will want a bigger pump I see 800gph ones that use garden hose but that still seems small for a 180tank. I want to stick with garden hoses because of the ease of parts and hoses anyone know any bigger pumps that work with standard garden hoses

[@KaveManAquatics]

The 800 GPH pump uses same size hose as the python. Most likely same as garden hose. The next pump, 2600 GPH uses a much bigger and annoying hose, lol But it sure does drain the tank quickly! 😊

[@amf9335]

Black is best. I have black Volcanic in my Cichllds and run Cal Grit in one of my Filters for additional Buffering. Also my water is 7.8 out of the tap

[@KaveManAquatics]

Very Nice!

[@pueto1609]

i’ve installed a wave maker on my aquarium with a fluval 307 there still seems to always be fish poop floating around and laying around in some spots will getting a second wave maker be worth it ?

[@KaveManAquatics]

It may help, but positioning your 1 wave maker has to be done correctly as well. Decor matters too. Watch these 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3jbqIqZlNecq6M kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoW2eH2jbtysmdE

[@pueto1609]

@@KaveManAquatics i feel i’ve gotten it in the best position , i have 3 rocks dotted along the sand and somehow stuff seems to just buildup underneath

[@skeet77777]

You got a video on everything my man I love it 💪🏽I was at tractor supply and I seen this and I was gonna hit you up and ask if you recommend it how do you feel about it?

[@KaveManAquatics]

I love it bro! It's still in my 210 and looking good. Plus, it's dirt cheap! 😊💪

[@skeet77777]

@@KaveManAquatics thanks again my 407 just got here

[@scottgordin9709]

Hey KaveMan I've got a question or two for ya, I know this is an older video so I hope you see my questions and respond to them, I've been wanting to switch my substrate on a couple of my tanks with the same black diamond sand you used and finally picked up four bags for my 125 gallon S.American Cichlid tank and my 55 gallon African Mbuna Cichlid tank. I've seen a few different videos on doing the swap, but no follow up videos, then I remembered this video you did like nine months ago and watched it again. Question One, Besides adding the Cichlid salt to raise the PH, was there any other things you had to add to balance out your African Cichlid tank? Question Two, Has there been any long term down sides to adding the black diamond sand?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yes, Cichlid Salt adds the minerals they need while also making the water harder which they also require. Malawi buffer adds in the buffer that raises your PH and keeps it stable. I add both to my African Tank. No down side at all to the black diamond sand. Tank looks great and fish thriving! 😊

[@lakedog3616]

Where did you get the background?

[@KaveManAquatics]

All my backgrounds are from aquadecorbackgrounds.com Tell them KaveMan sent you, lol Also use code Kaveman10 at checkout for a 10% discount 😊

[@blakehamby3544]

Looks good man I was waiting for the upload!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks, hope you enjoyed it!

[@tankboss5.951]

Bro I have caribsea aragonite Hawaiian black in my 75g and it was literally 99% all black... not just a little... completely black. So black that I had to add some pink fiji to lighten it up some. I'm wondering how much exactly crushed coral you'll have to add just to keep the ph up. Plus the negative to that is the coral will have to be replaced every so often. I love both looks either way. Fingers 🤞 ur ph doesn't fluctuate to much by letting the coral expire

[@KaveManAquatics]

Hmm, that may have been a good option too. Couldnt find any hawaiian black, only found the African Cichlid black sand and it was full of white aragonite. Crushed coral in the tank, behind the background is gonna last a very long time. Almost as long as it would as the substrate itself 😊 Do me a favor bro, post some pics of your black sand in the facebook group! 😊

[@tankboss5.951]

@@KaveManAquatics I don't have social media other then KZbin. But the best thing I can do is tell u to check out my KZbin videos. I have only shorts tho but u can see my 75g black substrate in the quick videos. Make sure to check them bc I have my 210 n 75. On my 75g I added one whole bag of pink fiji to just the right side only bc I love both n very little mixed in with the left side. But u can clearly see my whole left side is completely black. Check it out bro, it'd be an honor to have a legend/mentor to look at my set up

[@keithcovington7176]

Damn Kev, you're making me want to change my substrate to black now. Those colors + that substrate = 🔥🔥🔥 Nice job bro.

[@KaveManAquatics]

lol, you wont be disappointed if you do 😊

[@Supaswol]

Let us know how the black sand has impacted the coloration of your fish. Dark vs. light substrate does impact fish coloration but I’d be interested if you could do a side by side comparison later. A before and after Kev. 👍

[@KaveManAquatics]

It's been a week since completing the project and theres been no change in my guys colors. I believe substrate color is a myth. Your fish color depends on many different things but the COLOR of their environment isnt one of them. From what I can see so far anyway...

[@oaktown6508]

The light substrate looks much better. Switch it back

[@oinkmastersupremeforever]

Hi Kev! Great to see you did decide on the blasting sand 😁. Remember we talked about that at Aquashella? You were thinking about going to a black sand and I was considering switching over to White Sand. I suggested that blasting Sand might be what you're looking for. It's economical, easy to use, doesn't mess with the water parameters, and it's very sparkly underneath the lights 😁 The only reason I'm thinking about going to White Sand versus my black sand is because of some difficulties with my specific setup.. I have no lights on my tank yet and My 3 Texas cichlids have so much black in them that against a black substrate and a black background Sometimes I can barely see them.my7 blood parrots and my fire mouth? Yeah they're fine with the blasting sand. Their colors are much brighter. As careful as I try to be with my aquatic babies, just looking at one piece of waste on the tank makes me feel like I'm doing something wrong. (White sand will show everything! 😭)

[@KaveManAquatics]

I do remember our convo!! 😊 White sand does show everything but not any more or less than the black. I can see just as much waste on the black sand so no big difference there. 1 thing I can say because my background and rocks are a light gray color the black sand provides great contrast where as if you had a black/dark background then the white substrate provides great contrast. Beauty of this hobby is we can always change things up until we're happy with our setups! 😊😊