Substrate for amphilophus

[Buphy]

So I'm hoping to do a breeding pair of amphilophus Lyonsi in my up coming 125 gallon but I'm wondering about substrate. Will they need gravel? Will sand work? Clay pots on their sides? Personally I'd love to be able to just do a slate bottom but I don't know if they will breed on it. Thanks in advance!

 

[TCarpenter]

Well their native environs are a combination of gravel, silt and sand. Not sure if they spawn in terra cotta though.

 

[Cichladdict]

Do you already have the lyonsi?
If so could I see a pic if possible, thanks.
Just have a genuine interest in lyonsi, also have you got a breeding pair already if you have them or are you starting with a group?

Thanks

 

[Buphy]

Don't have them yet, be another month or so but I'm planning on getting about 12 and letting them pair off naturally.