Is gravel safe for Midas?

[JAX3000]

Hi,

I'm still debating on sand v gravel for my new Midas setup.

I've heard gravel is better, for the sake of saving my filters, but I've also heard if swallowed, gravel can cause a fatal blockage in the digestive system, whereas sand would just pass through the fish.

Is gravel safe for Midas cichlids?

Many thanks

 

[8DiagramPoleFighter]

Your Midas will be fine on gravel

 

[PYRU]

Either or...I prefer pool filter and since its heavy. It pretty much stays out and doesn't get all the high nitrate producing crap that builds up in gravel

 

[A201]

I use the small grain pool filter gravel. My Red Texas, FH,
and Firemouths all sift feed in it. No problems.

 

[RD.]

Gravel will be fine, if you use it just use a light layer to reduce the build up of waste. Some people add 2-3", or more, which eventually results in a nitrate factory of debris. Sand will work as well, but only if your filtration doesn't allow finer sand particles (which can also be found in pool filter sand) to get into an impeller.

 

[Backfromthedead]

im sure either is fine. but my midevil seems to enjoy sand much more. ive had him in both and he definitely does more sifting and digging and landscaping in the sandy tanks. dont know if that makes a difference to you though.

 

[RD.]

IME over the years not all midas will interact with substrate in the same manner. My current foot long male has never paid any attention to the substrate to any real degree. The previous one that I owned moved substrate like a bulldozer.

Whichever you choose, keep it light, no need for a thick layer of either.

 

[Coryloach]

I've heard gravel is better, for the sake of saving my filters,

Sand is a lot better substrate, as it doesn't hold the the detritus. The filter issue can easily be solved with putting medium/coarse sponges on the intakes. It saves the bio media as well from getting clogged, which is essential in healthy nitrification.

 

[RD.]

Sand can still find its way through sponges placed over an intake, even fine sponges. Trust me. lol Usually noticed right about the time I was heading to go to work, or out with the Mrs. Never at a good time it seemed. And this was with larger grain sized, heavier pool sand. Not all sand is uniform in size through out a 50 lb bag. It only takes one tiny little spec of sand to stop an impeller dead in its tracks. Often resulting in needing to change the impeller shaft, and sometimes the impeller. I have seen this in more than one make or model of filter over the years.

A thin layer of gravel holds little detritus, which can easily be sucked up during regular water changes.

To say one is better than the other doesn't mean much, unless one is privy to the owners wants/needs/equipment/maintenance schedule etc. I've used both, for many years, in different set ups, with different fish, and never had any issues with detritus build up. YMMV

 

[Coryloach]

My external filters have been running in sand tanks for the best part of 7 years or so, still running. I always use sponges on the intakes.

Besides passing through the pre-filter, the sand needs to go through all the other media in the filter before ending up in the impeller. I've never noticed any sand in the filters when cleaning it...though as you said it has to be just one grain.....to do the job. It hasn't happened to me though.

I also almost forgot to say, my intakes are halfway up right now but that hasn't always been the case as I shortened the intakes in the last two years only.