Question for Serious African Rift Lake Cichlid Keepers Only?

Question

I am going to be starting a Malawi Tank and would like to know,
Would it be better if I use a dark substrate or a very light substrate? (gravel) Im leaning more towards light gravel.

Answer 1

I think sand would be a better substrate for african cichlids, as they enjoy to sand-sift and dig.

I use a mixture of dark and light colored sand in all of my african cichlid tanks (sort of a light 'black pepper' appearance). Seems to work fine, in my opinion, at least:
http://s13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/y2kenny19/African%20cichlids%202007/?action=view¤t=yellowlab.jpg

Answer 2

you should probably use a darker gravel becaue that kind of fish is usually very colourful and if you have a lighter gravel it could make the fish look less vibrant.

My parents had Malawi tanks for years.... you really need to be carefull about them, they can get kind of big and VERY aggressive. My dad has recently sold all of his becasue they were too agressive.

Answer 3

Its personal preferrence. Doesnt really matter. Ive got crushed coral, dark gravel, light gravel, light sand and black sand in different tanks. For looks I prefer crushed coral or black sand.

Answer 4

i would use the darker only cause its closer to its natural environment. i like the natural stone mixed with sand. but thats me. make sure u have plenty of hiding spots. also wouldnt worry about the fishs agressivness unless ur goin to be addin some mollys or tetras or other community non aggressive.