Sand as substrate for CA cichlids?

[aclockworkorange]

I would think gravel would be worse than sand to ingest. I know bichirs can sometimes get intestinal blockages from gravel and it's sometimes suggested to keep them on sand or bare bottom. Haven't seen it with cichlids myself.

 

[DrawnToBeaches]

Thanks all. The filters aren't an issue, running a sump and FX5 and there is currently 9 big altifrons in there messing it up and I've never had a problem with it being sucked up.

Its quite deep at the moment, and I will certainly thin it down a bit if I leave it in there with the new stock, and I stir it weekly when doing water changes to avoid any pockets building up too long.

you won't regret putting in the snails =p healthy snack and clean up extra food and even poo...

 

[trace]

I have tanks with both and I def like he sand more it is easier to clean and is a better place for Ben. Bacteria and I think that the fish like it more too