Should I use sand or gravel with African Cichlids?

[underthesea420]

So I guess sand is the best!! Is it okay to use with plants?

 

[Pittbull]

only certain plant species will work i would try anubias and java fern and maybe some mosses..

 

[jpappy789]

Sand is fine for plants but as pittbull mentioned only a few will possibly work with cichlids. Best off trying vals, anubias, java fern, and mosses.

 

[Pittbull]

thanks jpappy i forgot the vals buddy..

 

[Arturo]

I use pool filter sand. Works great for me.

 

[Ryanstech]

My cichlids love sand. As for plants you can always go with types that will attach to objects like rocks or decorations.

 

[blue2fyre]

Sand. My cichlids love digging holes in it and moving it around. I have some small gravel over my sand (just a little) and they love moving around the little rocks. they are quite the decorators

I've had no luck with plants but I heard java fern seems to hold up and well as onion plants.

I have driftwood in my 55 gallon mbuna tank and it never affected the Ph. It's been a steady 8.2 ever since I set it up

 

[GuppyMan]

it is all up to you. if you want a more natural feel, id go with sand. me and my buddies use quick crete multi purpose sand. or u could use pool filter sand. in my tank, i use the quick crete sand, they i sprinkle some natural gavel over the top. it looks sweet. NEVER use play sand. it turns into a brown icky mud. yuck.

 

[blue2fyre]

I have used play sand in both my tanks and never had any problems. My water is still nice and clear, you just have to wash it VERY well.

 

[mostlycichlids]

I am another one for gravel. Sand is more natural but if you plan to move gravel is easier to move.