Tank Set up

[Megfish]

Hi All
I have bought a new tank to set up for cichlids.I am researching at the moment and getting lots of ideas.I am stuck at the substrate so i havent got very far.I like the idea of sand and i read an article were this guy said he uses a layer of sand over a layer of aquarium gravel is this nessasary?
Another article said he mixes sand and aquarium gravel together.He also suggests using a layer of polystyrene along the bottom of your tank so if they undermine rocks and they fall it wont crack your glass on the bottom of the tank.I could imagine that not bieng a very good idea.I am sure they would bite little chunks of the polystyrene causing all sorts of trouble.
I have a tropical tank with Aquarium Gravel in it and i was wondering is sand easy to clean do you do the same kind of clean e.g suck up the substate with the gravel cleaner?

Thanks for any help

 

[Soaup]

I have 2 Cichlids aquariums, I use Crushed Coral in both, it helps keep the Ph up which is needed when keeping cichlids, As for sand you dont clean it like gravel you and gently stir up the sand by keeping the syphon over it and suck up the waste that comes off the surface.

 

[freddyk]

It's up to you - sand, gravel, a mix, one on top. Either way the sand eventually ends up on the bottom and the gravel on top, so you may as well choose one or the other. The importance of sand or very fine gravel depends on the cichlids chosen - some really benefit immensly, others won't care - as far as livestock goes though, sand is never a bad thing. Go with play sand, beach sand, pool filter sand, crushed coral... whatever you like - I can't stand crushed coral, but many seem to like it - all you can do is choose one and hope you like it, change it at some point if you don't.

You don't need anything on the bottom of the tank, I can assure you it holds the weight. You'll want to place rocks on the bottom of the tank, not on the substrate, that way they can't dig under them and cause a collapse. Otherwise you just pile them up in a sturdy formation and they won't be going anywhere.

 

[Megfish]

Thanks for your assistance.I will continue to read and get more info i have got some great ideas and will submit some photos when its done.
Cheers