Should I use sand or gravel for African cichlids?

[lasvegasnights21]

Should I use sand or gravel for African Cichlids?

Is there a certain kind that is the best to use?

A certain color that I should get?

 

[hybridtheoryd16]

I beleive sand is best, since they dig and gravel might hurt them. Just beware of sand getting sucked up by a filter. I have ruined several pumps from this before i got rid of my sand for ever.

 

[famous323]

i'd go with sand

 

[[enjoyable_attempt]]

Go with whitish or tan colored sand, just make sure your filter can handle it.

 

[Knowdafish]

I've always preferred medium, natural colored, gravel.

 

[lasvegasnights21]

I want it to be as natural looking to their environment as possible!! So is their environment more sandy or rocky?

 

[sncboom]

I prefer sand but if it gets sucked up...you will have to deal with that.

 

[famous323]

more rocky

 

[famous323]

http://www.essortment.com/all/africancichli_rcwv.htm

 

[Knowdafish]

I want it to be as natural looking to their environment as possible!! So is their environment more sandy or rocky?

If you "want it as natural as possible" it would depend on the species and which lake they come from. Substrates vary from sand, to mixed sand, to gravel, to rock mixed with sand and gravel!!