What substrate for Malawi Cichlids

[john6]

Is sand acceptable for malawi cichlids or does it have to be, crushed coral, aragonite, etc.
Any recommendations for a good non branded substrate, these branded specific ones are very expensive.

 

[hypnogogia]

Sand would be absolutely fine.

 

[Maf 2500]

Play sand, or playpit sand, depending how they market it, from a DIY store or similar would be a good non-branded option. Use an old pillowcase to rinse it before use - this will allow the fine dust to pass through but not the slightly bigger particles that can block up the U-bend or trap under your bath or shower.

You can always add crushed shells such as oystershell grit if you need extra buffering capacity, or even if you just like the aesthetic of bits of shell in the substrate: