SAND OR GRAVEL?

Going back to fish hobby after 8 months break. Bought a 75 Gal tank, two eheims, etc etc etc. Dilemma is that I can't decide what kind of substrate to use. Gravel or sand. I used to keep crushed coral with africans, but have a feeling that I should try sand too. Saw nice sand in BigAL's, and it's a bit $$$ expensive. It's a Cichlid Mix. Black, brown, and grey mix. Looks nice, and has all trace elements for Africans. Still can't decide what to do... I'm planning to get Frontosas and Calvuses (Neolompologus) - I think this is the right spelling.

Can anyone suggest something? I'm really in need of feedback from sandgravel users.

TIA,

How much gravel do I need for 75Gal tank? It's 48x18x20. I bought two 20Lbs bags, and thinking of two more. Would that be enough or I can even get away with 3?

Thanks,

Ya know it is funny that I have never tried sand in a tank. I have always used gravel (brown now but in the past bright colours) marbles or river rocks. I have found that an old UG plate covered with whatever works good for live plants too. The plant roots have something to hold on to and it is easy to clean the gunk from under it with a good syphon. I will have to try sand one day.

I've only had my sand substrate tank up for a couple months. It's a little more messy looking in my experience so far. (The fish poo doesn't work its way into the substrate) But it looks ok and the plants stay right where you put them. So far the plant cuttings from my big 100% flourite tank all seem to be growing ok in the sand...

Ron

Try it... your kuhlis will love it.

Bob

Try it... your kuhlis will love it. Bob Hey Bob, don't have any coolies (if my daughter had her way tho I would have a tank full) just red tails. For some reason I have never had much luck with the $1 coolie but the $8 red tails are great. Go figure.