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could any body please tell me what kind of substrate is the best if any at all is needed i would like to make my tank as easy to maintain as possible cheers

You don't need substrate, especially if you want ease of cleaning.

I agree with TTA, I don't have substrate in my zebra tank and it makes it much easier to clean it!

I guess it depends on what you define as 'best'. From a zebs perspective I would say a sand substrate it best but from a easy to clean perspective I'd say don't use a substrate at all as has already been suggested. With a sand substrate you'll see the zebs digging or rubbing themselves in it, which they like to do but it does make cleaning the tank more difficult.