New 90gal with sump SA cichlid tank build

[cichlidkeeper]

Hi all, I'm starting my new project soon, it will be a slowish build as I need to order new pipe work for the return and drain pipe.
I have a couple questions to start off,

I wanted black gravel/sand as substrate, any suggestions? any certain types I should avoid or certain types cichlids get on better with?
Also
What kind of media will I need to have in the sump?
On my old salty tank I used filter sock, skimmer and live rock for filtration, I was gonna use a filter sock just to catch any large floaty bits but what else do I need?
Any help will be much appreciated. Thank you.


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[dalto]

I wanted black gravel/sand as substrate, any suggestions? any certain types I should avoid or certain types cichlids get on better with?

Black Diamond ~20 grain blasting sand, Spectraquartz or Ceramaquartz will be your best bets for black sand. I like the ceramaquartz but it is not easy to find in many areas.

What kind of media will I need to have in the sump?
On my old salty tank I used filter sock, skimmer and live rock for filtration, I was gonna use a filter sock just to catch any large floaty bits but what else do I need?

You will want to set your sump up as a wet/dry for freshwater.