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Fishman02
10-10-2003, 03:02 PM
I have decided to go with the Cichlids from Lake Malawi, probably 6-8 fish (haven't decided on species, but have good ideas). Is sand or gravel a better choice for these fish? From what I've read, rocks are extremely important for these species but is sand necessary? I would think its hard to clean and much more messy? Also, what color gravel is appropriate? What about crushed coral? So many choices??
DR.J
10-10-2003, 03:12 PM
sand tends to clog up power filters like whisper and emperors also penguins.I would go with gravel.I have gravel and i think its great.the sand my friend had and it was dirty all the time with fish poop floating over the top of it.
Karl
10-10-2003, 03:18 PM
It dosnt really make a difference. Which do you like the look of more? and like dr.j said it will clog up the power head.
Fishman02
10-10-2003, 03:33 PM
I was thinking about getting gravel, maybe dark blue with some pink. I heard white gravel becomes discolored fairly quickly and I'm not sure if I want all red? Which color do you guys think goes best with the African Cichlids?
Fishman02
10-10-2003, 03:34 PM
put some pics of your tanks up
Karl
10-10-2003, 04:14 PM
this is the gravel i have with my fish
Karl
10-10-2003, 04:16 PM
Well i really like blue gravel. if i was doing a african tank that would be one of my first choices.
Karl
10-10-2003, 04:17 PM
look in the african gallery to get some ideas.
jonah
10-10-2003, 06:04 PM
Look here also:

www.cichlidgallery.com

Many of our members keep pictures here.
Fishman02
10-10-2003, 08:44 PM
Karl, put some more pics up of your tank, seems like a great set-up!!
Karl
10-11-2003, 08:11 AM
i dont have any full tank shots i will try to get some of them.
Karl
10-11-2003, 08:11 AM
i hope this is one:nervous:
there is more of my gravel. like i said i will try to get some full tank shots.:)
barristan
10-11-2003, 05:59 PM
I would go with crushed coral. It will help to keep the PH up.
yoda24
10-12-2003, 09:28 PM
I bought black gravel and I think its the best for cichlids. Especially fish with dark even colors. The black w/ the lightning tends to bring out the distinct colors in the fish.
Just my opinion.
slc,phenochilus
10-16-2003, 02:24 PM
right on yoda!
Mbuniac
10-16-2003, 07:58 PM
If you are going with African's, their natural environment is sand. Do a search on this site and you will find lots of discussions of the pros and cons of sand vs. gravel.
I changed my 125 to sand and liked it so much that I changed all my tanks to sand. It is a bit more work, but you won't have "fish poop" laying all over it if you put the time in. I do a 25%/wk. water change and at least once during the week use a small net to pick up the poop that I can see. It will definitely smoke your power filters if you are not careful. Move your siphon tubes up a couple of inches and turn the filters off while you are doing anything that stirs up the sand. "I LOVE IT"!
Sam
joey
12-01-2003, 11:35 AM
i want to put sand in my tank too. i have read several articals on it and they say if you use sand to make sure you wash it before you put it in your tank.

p.s. how did you post your pics up ?
cichgirl
12-01-2003, 12:38 PM
joey, go here:
http://www.cichlidforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1292

I LOVE sand. I think it's easier to clean and the fish seem to love it too. I do clean out the impellors once a month and that keeps my filters quiet. If you keep up with maintenance I think sand can't be beat! I have a fine black sand and to clean it I just scoop the junk out every couple of days and it stays beautiful - it's easy! Word to the wise - as Sam says, shut off filters before you do any cleaning or rearranging, and you should be in the clear!
slc,phenochilus
12-02-2003, 04:14 PM
SAND :ok:
wheelie
12-02-2003, 04:27 PM
i agree- black provides a good contrast and helps your fish stand out- whether you go with sand or gravel