sand or gravel

[tiki]

im going to be setting up a 180gl tank soon and was wondering if i should use sand or gravel. does it matter which i use? i have 3 pbass and 1 arowana. also what else should be in the tank so they'll be happy. thanks for the info

 

[Steve_89]

Whether you choose sand or gravel will not make any difference to your cichla...So choose the one you like best. I always find sand easier to keep clean though.

Other things you might want to consider for your cichla particularly if they are young is some cover, whether that be plants or driftwood...I found this can reduce stress levels. All my cichla love fast flowing water as well.

 

[SaltyCrak]

i went with sand in my snakeheads' tank and both me and the fish have never been happier. i also find it a lot easier to keep clean.
i used pool filter sand, so it doesn't hassle my filters.

 

[Monolicious]

With Steve my only advice is that if your running canisters you may want to go with gravel as the Bass can stir things up when they are chasing each other or getting startled and you wouldn't want sand in you canister.

 

[BooshWacka]

yea switched to sand yesterday...went with play sand washed it 5 times and the water is still cloudy this morning (125 gallon tank)....hope it doesnt mess up me fluval405

 

[tiki]

i'll be using 2 fluval 405's. so if i use pool filter sand it shouldnt mess it up? where do i get poll filter sand? thanks