Green Terror with large rock substrate?

[sincebeen]

Does anyone keep SA/CA JD or GT like cichlids with large rock substrate?

Is this large gravel going to be harmful? They'll not be able to dig this very easily since the majority of the pieces range from about 1/2" up to 2" and of all different shapes. I gathered this substrate a couple of years back from a piece of the Rifle River in northern Michigan, I assembled the 3 Large sand stone structures from the same property. I like the way it looks and I'd like to keep it, but I obviously don't want to have stressful or scraped-up fish. I have a tendency to over-think things a lot and I'm hoping that's the case here.

The picture is deceiving, the substrate is about 1-2" deep.

 

[rdKirby]

I currently have my rd with substrate about that size and no problems yet. But for reassurance when I upgrade to a 90 later in the week I'm gonna mix in some small natural colored pebbles.

 

[gregor7777]

I've found that in general most cichlids love sand. They seem to be happiest when they have sand to play with. That being said, I've kept them (including a GT) in a substrate similiar to yours and I didn't think it stressed the fish. If those rocks are sharp or jagged I might be concerned.

One other note: a substrate like you have there can be a nightmare to maintain due to hidden and compacted waste.

 

[TheGinge5]

I've found that in general most cichlids love sand. They seem to be happiest when they have sand to play with. That being said, I've kept them (including a GT) in a substrate similiar to yours and I didn't think it stressed the fish. If those rocks are sharp or jagged I might be concerned.

One other note: a substrate like you have there can be a nightmare to maintain due to hidden and compacted waste.

agree^^

I would switch to sand if you dont mind the work, your GT will prefer it 100% and for 5-6 dollars you can get a 50lb bag of Quickrete silica sand at homedepot/lowes

 

[DIDYSIS]

I think its just preference of tank owner, but why not put sand on one side and rock on other see where he hangs out more

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[TheBigB]

Should be just fine. As others have said, they do seem to prefer sand but rocks will be ok

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[s1c]

It will be good. Just keep yourself updated.

 

[dougjeffries]

Pool filter sand. I have tried everything from play sand to pebbles. PFS is easier to keep clean and cheap.

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[sincebeen]

It's not that I mind the work, I just really like this substrate, and it has personal value since I gathered and prepared it myself.

I thought about sand too, but I'm really not interested in switching unless I have to.

Thanks for the input, i value all of it. And after another few hours of staring at my current substrate, I'm gonna leave it. I was hoping to have a bunch of people say they had large substrate too.






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[Jbh2383]

I have both sand and large gravel in my tanks. The only downfall I see is that the sand is much easier to clean and my cichlids like to dig around in the sand some. But it's your preference.


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