Now to think about gravel decor and plants.

[OhYesItsMe]

I'm know im going cichlids, probably ones from lake Malawi. Can I use a fine gravel or do I need sand. I'll make a lot of rocky caves and stuff and maybe put in the drift wood that came with the tank. But can I put any plants in there? I was thinking something easy that can grow on rocks or drift wood (I have 4 good lights so I can get a range of different brightness). But I don't want it to get eaten or at least eaten completely (malawi cichlids are mainly vegetarian). Thanks

[ZebraDanio12]

I'm pretty sure most cichlids prefer sand. It depends on what fish you get with plants. Some will tear them up. Some will uproot them. Some will leave it alone.

[OhYesItsMe]

Ok I think I'll go sand and I have to get plants that taste bad and grow on rock or driftwood

[ZebraDanio12]

What type of fish... You'll be wasting your money on plants depending on the fish.

[lohachata]

if you are going to keep malawi species leave out the driftwood...use dolomite for the substrate..gravel is better for them than sand...just find a landscaping supply place and get the smallest crushed limestone they have...it is much better for your fishes health than regular gravel...

[OhYesItsMe]

Ok I'm getting a plastic bin and I will place some new gravel and a mix of conditioned water mixed with some tank water from my 20 so I can build beneficial bacteria because I'm not even going to get the tank set up for 7 or 8 days so why not start cycling it a week early