Sand as substrate in freshwater tank for cichlids

[bg10007]

what is the deal on sand as substrate, heard its harder work especially in arcylic tank, is it better for the fish to bred in, what effect does it have on hard condtion

[ryanjury]

Sand is awesome for fish again it depends what type of cichlids and what you determine is harder work? It can buffer your water or do nothing depends on what sand you want to use?

Coral sand and argonite buffer the water silica sand and others don't..

[Nymox]

Im using river sand in 2 of my tanks now (thanks L.A. ) and both me and the fish seem to be liking it. I foubd silica sand has sharp edges, would stick to the fire eel and scratch his eyes. Would stick to the sides of the bolivians when they dug out their pits for spawning. Id say any cichlids that dig those little pits would benifit from it, mine prefer laying in those then finding a suitable rock.