Will adding gravel harm my fish?

[Nabbig2]

I have a 10 gallon fish tank with 2 small african cichlids and a black skirt tetra. Because of a previous disaster, I got rid of the gravel, so don't have any right now. I am going to get some, but I just wanted to make sure that it won't harm my fish. I'm going to thouroughly wash it, of course. Also, is there any type of gravel or other substrate anybody recommends for these fish? Thanks. (BTW, I have a tank ready when the cichlids grow too big).

 

[id10t]

The africans will probably be happier with crushed coral or sand (with crushed coral in a filter space or mixed in with the sand). The coral will help keep the hardness and PH up where the cichlids like it...

 

[davo]

They have fun moving substrate about. It won't harm your tank.

 

[emptyhead0102]

Crushed coral is best, and most Africans do love to dig. But you do know however cute they are right now, they'll need something bigger than 10 gallon in a few months...