How much sand should you use in a freshwater cichlid tank, and is it better for the fish than pebbles?

Question

I have an 80 gallon cichlid tank and really like the look of a sand substrate. Has anyone had success with sand? Do you have any recommendations?

Answer 1

This might help.
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/sand.php

Answer 2

For a cichlid set up it's really more a matter of preferance than anything else. Sand will make as good of a substrate as gravel or pebbles. The only word of caution I would give you is that sand is more difficult to properly clean and unless gently moved about a bit very regularly can develop hardens, packed area that will cause decay and poisonous gases to build up in the tank.

MM

Answer 3

First off your fish are in an enclosed aquarium. The bottom does NOT matter since YOU are feeding them. It doesn't make them "feel homiler" or anything like that since they do not have to forgeage for food. Gravel for you would be better to keep a clean tank which since you feed them is more important than if they have sand. This is a big myth. You don't even need a substraight if you have a bioorb. It isa matter of preference. Trust me you don't want to clean sand vs. gravel and the fish don't care. Grave is better since you feed them.

Success or not, it is a matter of water quality not enfironment. Your fish do not care. If they had to fight or foreage for good, ok, sand bottom you feed them, gravel bottom for easy cleaning.

Answer 4

With cichlids, it also depends on the pH & KH of your tap water. Most cichlids prefer a higher pH. If your tap water runs around 7.0 your KH is low (no buffering capacity), you might need to consider crushed coral for a substrate as that will raise your pH and KH.

Answer 5

You may wanna look up anerobic gas pockets