There is a balance you have to keep in mind because there has to be enough decor for your cichlid to hide in but not so much to the point where it can cause damage. Most substrates that are suitable for marine aquariums are also suitable for cichlid aquariums. Black beauty sand substrate is great for cichlids and can also be purchased for an affordable price. It is a smooth, fine, and dark substrate that adds elegance to your tank while at the same time hiding debris and waste. CaribSea Aquatics Eco-Complete African Cichlid Zack Sand, 20-Pound, Black Description. African Cichlids are a fantastic addition to for tank and will bring color, activity, and life to your design. CaribSea Aquatics Eco-Complete African Cichlid Sand. CaribSea Arag-Alive 20-Pound Special Grade Reef Sand, Bimini Pink, Carib Sea ACS00930 Aragamax Sand for Aquarium, 30-Pound, Carib Sea ACS05840 Super Naturals Crystal River Sand for Aquarium, 5-Pound, Penn-Plax Wizard’s Castle Aquarium Decoration Hand Painted with Realistic Details Over 10 Inches High, Multi-Color (RRW8), Alan Stone Glow in The Dark Home and Garden Fish Tank Aquarium Decorative Sand Gravel Rock (3-5 mm, Sky Blue). Gravel is inexpensive but easy to place and add a very general look to your fish tank. CaribSea Aquatics Eco-Complete African Cichlid Zack Sand, 20-Pound, Black Carib Sea ACS00222 African Sahara Sand for Aquarium, 20-Pound They come in various kinds of material but none are best suited for cichlids. The color of this sand is much darker compared to silica, is less dense and is messier. Eco Complete Cichlid Substrates add calcium, magnesium, carbonate and more to recreate the African Rift Lake environment. On average, an African Cichlid grows up to 4-8” (7-20 cm). Some species eat vegetable matter but they mostly eat worms, frozen shrimp, algae, or pelleted food. Although there are species that can grow up to an astounding length of 31” (80 cm), there are others that grow only 1.4” (3.5 cm). There are too many selections in the market and many different answers from various sources. and for africans, coral sand or gravel is good because it buffers the alkalinity and keeps the pH up where most africans prefer it, especially if your tap water isn't hard. The sand is very nice, I’m setting up a 125 gal Cichlid tank, I’m using grey river rock to divide a small portion of black sand from the Cichlid white sand, looks nice so far. Be aware African cichlids have been known to eat other fish particularly smaller fish so have them with fish that are the same species and of equal or larger size. Carib Sea ACS05823 Super Natural Torpedo Beach Sand Aquarium, 5-Pounds, EKUEY Large Aquarium Rock Decorations Tall Pillar Mountain Ornaments for Large Fish Tank, Norgail Ceramic Jar Aquarium Decorations Fish Tank Cave Breeding Cones Cave Fish Tank Ornaments for Amano Shrimp Cichlid Bonsai to Play, Hide and Rest, VMCN Aquarium Ceramic Decor Shrimp Shelter Hiding Cave Cichlid Crab Fry Breeding Cave Fish Tank Ornaments for Fish to Rest Hide Play, VavoPaw 5 in 1 Fish Tank Cleaner, Quick Water Changer with Air-Pressing Button, Glass Scraper, Water Flow Controller, Extendable Pipe, Fish Tank Sand Aquarium Gravel Cleaner Kit - Black, Boxtech Electric Aquarium Cleaner, 12V DC/28W Auto Fish Tank Gravel Cleaning kit 6 in 1 Change Water and Wash Sand Filter for Aquarium 10-200 Gallon, Bright Sparkling Floral Sand by NW Wholesaler, Just Artifacts Assorted Colors Craft & Unity Sand. African Cichlid. Certain rocks, plants, and ornaments placed in a certain way. 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