Preferred sustrate for Laetacara/Nannacara?

[JasonC]

So what is the preferred substrate for Laetacara and Nannacara species? IIRC, these are not Geophagine species like Apistos, but instead members of Cichlasomatine? So do they not at all need to sift sand to find food? or does their open spawning still need a small particle substrate?

I am currently setting up a tank for some L. Dorsigara, and have partially used bags of PFS and Turface sitting in my house. Which would be better suited for these Genera? Or is there a 3rd option I should really be looking at instead?

Thanks!

 

[Mike Wise]

I don't think it matters as much for these dwarf cichlasomines. Use what you like, but realize that coarse-grained substrate will allow food and other organic debris to settle deeper in the substrate. This isn't really a problem if you do regular gravel cleaning.

 

[JasonC]

Thanks for the reply Mike! So will the turface cause them issues in regards to being able to dig their spawning pits if they decide there are no good surfaces to spawn on? I would prefer to use the turface because I would like this to be a planted tank, but there is some priority on them being able to successfuly spawn too.

I don't think it matters as much for these dwarf cichlasomines. Use what you like, but realize that coarse-grained substrate will allow food and other organic debris to settle deeper in the substrate. This isn't really a problem if you do regular gravel cleaning.

 

[Mike Wise]

If you provide a wide variety of spawn surfaces and sites, digging usually doesn't occur for breeding. After hatching the larvae are often moved to pits, but these are usually small - 4"/10cm diameter. These pits usually don't disturb plants or decor. The parents can handle moving fairly large grained particles.

 

[Gwendal]

For my tanks i use to have Akadama or Silica.







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