Bolivian ram substrate choice?

I have a 75 gallon heavy planted tank. I have right now 6 gold three spotted gouramis, 16 rummy nose, and 10 black neon tetras. Can I add a pair of bolivian ram? My substrate is tropical soil, I don't have sand do they need sand to survive or thrive?
Pic of my tank:

https://imgur.com/a/wbMNpaJ

 

10 black neon cardinals

Your fish are black neon tetras (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi), Cardinal tetras (Paracheirodon axelrodi) are a distinct species.

Bolivian rams do not need sand to survive, but definitely - as most dwarf cichlids - to thrive.

Your tank is too brightly lit for these fish as well.

 

Your fish are black neon tetras (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi), Cardinal tetras (Paracheirodon axelrodi) are a distinct species.

Bolivian rams do not need sand to survive, but definitely - as most dwarf cichlids - to thrive.

Your tank is too brightly lit for these fish as well.

The recommendation for this fish is a planted tank, obviously planted tanks are going to be bright? My tank is not as bright as this picture is showing it.

 

A planted tank doesn't have to be that bright, but it is obvious that our respective definitions of a planted tank are not the same.

Good luck anyway.

 

It is true that some aquarium plants need bright light, but there are many that do not.

 

Bolivian Rams don't need sand substrate to survive. I've kept Bolivians long term using small grain rounded river gravel substrate w/ no problems.
The noted tropical soil substrate will likely be fine & probably reflect a more natural environment.

 

They do not need sand to survive, but they are mini earth eaters and will naturally sift though the substrate to look for food. Of course in an aquarium this is not strictly necessary as they will be provided with food, but still substrate sifting is a component of their natural behaviour and they will try to do it. It is hard to see in the photo how fine the substrate is, if it is quite fine it will probably be OK.

 

probably reflect a more natural environment.

Sand and mulm are closer to the natural environment than the clay silt tropica soil consists of.