When keeping central american cichlids does it matter whether you use sand or gravel as the substrate? I've always used gravel but fancy using sand as i'm not using under gravel filters?
sand or gravel
- Thread starter liamoi
- Start date
They'll be content with either; no matter which one you use, they're still going to rearrange it to their liking anyway 
The only thing with using sand, is you're going to want to use sponge over any exposed filter intakes, because as the fish move it around a lot of it will get sucked up into the filter, which will damage it.
The only thing with using sand, is you're going to want to use sponge over any exposed filter intakes, because as the fish move it around a lot of it will get sucked up into the filter, which will damage it.Both work fine for SAC's but I like the looks of sand much more. With plants and rock ledges. what could look better!!! as much as my basement has flooded in the last 2 days maybe I'll have a dump truck bring me some sand and make a huge indoor POND YES!!!!
i like sand to but i dont like when it kills my filters..but it looks natural i like to mix it with larger gravel so it looks more naturall..but its good for cats and especially when fish eat it its easier to siphon thru there gills..
and i would make ur basement a pond that would be nuts.hahaha
and i would make ur basement a pond that would be nuts.hahaha
I'm making the transition to sand starting with my smaller tanks and I love the way it looks, and it cleans up SO easily. No gunk gets left to sift down into the nooks and crannies of gravel. So you know that what lies on the top is all there is.
How do you clean up with sand though? I have sand on my 10 that is temporarily holding a full grown male Convict. When I go to clean up his mess, I can't get my siphon into the sand or else I'll suck it all up...I have the same problem in my reef 
Matt, I let my siphon "hover" over the stuff on top of the sand, and gently siphon the sand in the "eating area". I tap the doo hicky on rocks and stuff to get the sand out. Some of the sand is sucked up, but my nasty water goes into my flower bed so no big deal!
I used play sand in my 200, and colored play sand in my 30 ( its blue), and gravle in my 75. Gravle definatly sucks, sand is way easier and plants and cat fish love it.
I used play sand in my 200, and colored play sand in my 30 ( its blue), and gravle in my 75. Gravle definatly sucks, sand is way easier and plants and cat fish love it.