So upon researching the species i found that a sandy substrate is recommended. The tank i was working on for them has an under gravel filter and a ton of rocks on top. The actual gravel is mostly gravel i got from a creek and sterilized. The under gravel filter isn't the only filtration (also have a power filter and box filter in there). Is the sandy substrate super important? ie will they not spawn on gravel or will it stress them to not have any? also, is there a recommended type/brand of sand for this species? I haven't obtained any fish yet so if i was going to switch substrate i'm sure its better to do it before anything is in the tank.
Charlutz
Members
With brichardi, you don't need anything besides water to get them to spawn. Keep the gravel if you like it or switch to sand if you want. The fish will likely dig in either substrate which will make the undergravel filter ineffective. For sand, pick something that looks good. Home Depot play sand is easily found. Many people prefer pool filter sand as it's a bit bigger and easier to clean and it can be found at pool supply shops.
toddnbecka
Members
Substrate doesn't matter, the hard part is keeping brichardi from taking over the tank as their fry grow. The larger fry will help the parents protect the smaller/younger fry, and as their numbers grow so does the size of their territory, until they own the whole tank. Any fish that can't get far enough away will either be killed outright or die more slowly from stress.
