What sort of cichlids do you have in mind. I have malawi that like to spend thier time rooting around in the substrate, So for me I have normal aquarium sand to which I added some pea grit 1mm-3mm dia just for intrest. Probably about 10% grit. I supose its a question of preference you can either have what pleases you (sand, flouresent green gravel, glass beads, endless options blah blah), or what encourages your fishes more natural behaveour.
