We have a 3-4 inch sand substrate, we just bought salt free play sand at the
local hardware store, it was much cheaper. We boiled it when we tried it in
the 55g, but just rinsed the sand we got for our 90g African, no deaths yet
and it has been about 6 months. They defiantly love playing in it, go head
deep sometimes and you can see it coming out of their gills. We have 4
holding girls in there now, so it seems they like it!
Kelly


"SA" wrote in message
...
Hi all,

I have gravel on my African's tanks and I was thinking of changing it to
sand. I have juvenile mbunas, and I have read that they prefer to play in
sand, is that true? I think I like the look of sand better, but will it be
better for the fish?

If so is it true that I can use pool filtering sand? I'd rather go with
something that is designed for cichlids than improvise if I could. Any
suggestions as to a recommended commercial substrate for such use?

Also how much sand should I use? I have a 2" gravel substrate but I heard
that sand should not go that high, any ideas about that?

As always thank you all for your comments.

Kind regards,

Steve