It's doable for sure. They'll still get the same amount of food, if not more. Only problem with it, is that you are taking away what comes natural for them to do. It's theire instinct.
It's debatable whether or not it's good for the fish, to take away the substrate in the tank with this type of Cichlid.
However, as long as the fish is thriving, i don't see anything wrong with it though.