Aquael Dolomite Gravel 2-4mm 2kg

Description

Aquael Dolomite Gravel 2-4mm 2kg — Natural dolomite substrate for hard, alkaline African cichlid tanks

Fish from Africa’s great lakes evolved in water that is naturally hard and alkaline, and a soft, acidic substrate works against that rather than with it. Aquael Dolomite Gravel 2-4mm 2kg (SKU: 102387) is a two-kilogram bag of natural dolomite gravel graded to 2 to 4 mm, chosen specifically because dolomite is a calcium-magnesium carbonate rock that slowly buffers water toward harder, more alkaline conditions rather than sitting inert the way basalt or quartz gravel does. Aquael markets it for aquariums housing cichlids from Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria, species that need stable hard-water parameters to stay healthy long-term. The same gravel is sold in a 10 kg bag for larger cichlid tanks.

As water passes through a dolomite substrate, calcium and magnesium carbonate dissolve gradually, raising general hardness and carbonate hardness and helping keep pH from drifting down over time, something soft-water fish-keepers specifically avoid but African cichlid keepers rely on. Because the effect is ongoing rather than a one-off dose, it works alongside, not instead of, water changes with suitably hard tap water or targeted remineralising additives where the local supply runs soft. The 2 to 4 mm grain size is coarse enough to resist compacting and fine enough for cichlids that sift substrate while foraging, a common behaviour in several Malawi and Tanganyika species. Because the gravel’s whole purpose is to influence water chemistry, it is not the substrate to reach for in a soft-water or blackwater tank, where Aquael’s own inert basalt gravel is the better match.

Usage & Application

When to Use

• African Cichlid Tanks: Malawi, Tanganyika and Victoria species needing hard, alkaline water.
• Rising Soft-Water Concerns: Tap water that runs softer than these cichlids need long-term.
• Substrate-Sifting Species: Cichlids that forage through the gravel as part of natural behaviour.
• Not for Soft-Water Tanks: Species needing low hardness are better suited to an inert substrate instead.

Substrate & Placement Guide

• Rinse First: Wash the gravel thoroughly to clear dust before adding it to the tank.
• Lay to an Even Depth: Spread across the base, building up rockwork on top as needed.
• Test Parameters After Setup: Check hardness and pH once the tank has settled to see the gravel’s effect.
• Monitor Over Time: Retest periodically, since dolomite’s buffering continues for as long as it is in use.

Product Specifications & Highlights

Key Features

• Natural Dolomite Rock: A calcium-magnesium carbonate gravel, not a dyed or coated substrate.
• Hardness and Alkalinity Buffer: Gradually raises GH and KH rather than sitting inert.
• Matched to African Cichlids: Suited to Malawi, Tanganyika and Victoria biotopes.
• 2–4mm Grain Size: Coarse enough to resist compacting, fine enough for substrate-sifting species.
• Available in Two Pack Sizes: 2 kg and 10 kg bags.

Product Details

• Brand: Aquael (Poland)
• SKU: 102387
• Barcode (GTIN/EAN): 5905546209717
• Product Type: Gravel > Natural Gravel (Dolomite)
• Grain Size: 2–4 mm
• Material: Natural dolomite
• Water Chemistry Effect: Raises and buffers general and carbonate hardness
• Suited To: African cichlids from Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria
• Pack Size: 2 kg
• Other Sizes: Aquael Dolomite Gravel 2-4mm 10kg (SKU 102392)
• Target Environment: Freshwater aquariums (hard, alkaline systems)