No gravel

Hey guys looking for some advise as to what positive and negatives.<br>I keep large central american cichlids and they just throw gravel every where, was wonder how much of a impact it would make to go gravel less, my filter are well stocked with bio media and sea chem matrix so doupt i need the additional surface area for beneficail bacterial growth.<br>So guess i am asking what could go wrong&nbsp;<br>regards Mark

 

thats part of their charm i suppose.no gravel would look a bit bleak i think.

 

Your substrate does play a large role as it provides a pretty large surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow - much more so than a plain glass bottom. Furthermore, fish feces on a plain glass bottom is one heck of a lot more noticeable than on a gravel one.

That being said, lots of people do opt for a bare bottomed tank. Removal of fish waste is a lot easier, it can give a very 'clean' look and it will solve your problem that you've presented to us. However, I think a lack of substrate may discourage breeding somewhat, as this would largely interfere with their routines.

Regards,

 

eish sorry for double post