FW with sand (How deep)

[Fresh808]

Just wanted to know how deep the sand in my fw 55 gal with cichlids should be?
I also was thinking of laying the plastic white grate material you see on flourescent fixtures under the substrate so sharp wood and rocks don't touch the bottom. Is this okay or discouraged?

 

[BigJim]

The grate material you're referring to is called egg crate. It's very common to use that under rock formations to spread out the weigh and prevent pressure points.

Cover the egg crate and add another 1"-1.5". With no plants, you don't need a lot of depth.

 

[mfdrookie516]

Make it as deep or as shallow as you like. Depending on what kind of cichlids you get, they'll most likely dig around in it. If you're talking about african cichlids, they'll constantly keep it moving.

Egg crate is completely unnecessary if you ask me. It can trap detrius that would otherwise easily vacuum up during a water change. It also limits how deep the fish can dig down. Thats JMO of course