Best substrate for big L25

[Kajaha]

wanted to know what everyone's thoughts are with the type of substrate for keeping L25s.
Currently in a tank with petco black sand, wanted to empty out the sand and do bare bottom for ease of cleaning. anyone have preference for keeping big plecos? (planning to get 2-3 more L25s)

 

[JasonsPlecosCichlids]

I have three Scarlets and they do fine in the gravel I have them with. Including several other plecos.

 

[Kajaha]

They dont kick up lots of pebbles for you? My L25 seems like kicking the sand everywhere overnight.

 

[slippery slimecoat]

I've had a couple large (12"+) pseudacanthicus leopardus in the past. I tried them with sand and woke up to a 75 lb sand dune in the center of my tank lol. Switched to gravel. When I had around an inch or more gravel they didn't seem to disturb it. When I ran just a real thin layer, just enough to cover the bottom, they would kick the gravel out from their usual hiding spots, but otherwise, no issues.

 

[Kajaha]

It's like a nightly sand castle building class for him. Thanks for the tip I'll try gravel.