Gravel or no gravel that is the question!??

[pEacOcks4EvEr]

I have a question and some say yes and some say no. For breeding tanks for central/south american cichlids, should you use gravel or not? I always thought to use gravel in breeding tanks and no gravel in growouts. Whats your opinion everyone?

[odinthejd]

Gravel is the better way to go. I'm not sure why it's better but I have tried with sand and it dosen't work as well with mating. And your right sands good for grow out tanks!

[Morne]

I've been successful breeding Convicts on gravel.

Gravel makes a nice substrate for healthy bacteria, but the question should be what does your fish want and do you want to use an undergravel filter.

Since, cinvicts build nests in gravel, sand will fall or cave-in, if your fish likes sand in their natural habitat then go for that.

The second point has to do with particle size, in terms of the filter, since the smaller particle size will filter better but also cause a much higher pressure drop over the sand bed...thus you will need a better / bigger pump or airflow to compensate for higher DP (delta pressure).

Also gravel is easier to clean.

[odinthejd]

If you have dwarf south americans and can have cory's with them that's fine to have because they will help clean the tank!

[brianinokc]

I have sand in all of my tanks and all my fish breed like crazy!

I will never switch back to gravel.. Ill go to dirt first LOL