new 65 gallon tank

[chadw1920]

I am fixing to start up a new 65 gallon tank. I have never kept cichlids before. can you guys help me with getting it up and running please? I have not gotten a filter yet for it nor substrate. My only option for a filter is a canister filter because of the tight spot I have it in. What size would be good for this tank and does anyone have any substrate or a filter of this type for sale? any information would be a big help and any equipment would be to. thanks. chad

[morpheus]

people sell all kinds of things in the market place section. everything from equipment, rocks, substrates, fish, plants, etc. you just need to keep an eye out for things you want or even make a post for WANTED.

for filters you can find a lot on amazon. the only series of canisters i have experience with is cascade and i like it. there are many choices out there and others can weigh in on their favorites. it is always better to provide more filtration...whatever you can afford...so in terms of the cascade series, a cascade 1000 will do up to 100g tank.

for substrate it really depends on how you want the tank to look, and the type of cichlids you want to keep. they will dig and move substrate around. its really a choice of sand or gravel. for my 75g i went and bought a few bags of pea gravel. i tend to like the more natural looking stone surface bottom. just rinse it off well to get the dirt/sediment off. others will use pool filter sand and that looks nice too. both can be purchased from places like home depot for relatively cheap.

cichlids like hiding spots as they will establish territories. use rocks, driftwood, plastic plants, etc. to create caves and such. i would steer clear of live plants personally. i never had much luck. cichlids tend to rip them apart and its a waste of money. types like holey rock are popular in cichlid tanks. i use coral rock to slightly buffer my pH, but its not required. cichlids can handle a wide range of pH and are resilient.

[chadw1920]

Good info thank you for your time.

[Austy16414]

If you're looking to save money, be patient and keep an eye out on here and Craigslist for your filter, heater and other equipment. If you're in a rush, just order on Ebay or something similar asap, there are pretty fair prices on the web. I always recommend pool filter sand as substrate, simply because it's cheap, looks great, and is super easy to clean. You can find it at any pool supply store. If you decide to go with gravel, be aware that you will need to vacuum it regularly to keep waste from building up between crevices. For filter sizes, it will depend on what you keep and how many you keep, but if you're going to run just a canister, I would go with an eheim 2217, a Cascade 1000, a Rena XP3, or something of similar capabilities. If you have a Facebook, feel free to join the group Houston Cichlid Club. There are many people willing to help and a ton of items pop up for sale. Hope this helps.

[morpheus]

good advice austy

chad - i do see an eheim 2217 in the market place now for sale for $70. depends how quickly you want to get up and running in regards to how you get equipment.

i never did sand but always was curious if i wanted to change over someday

good point with the gravel substrate. i vacuum mine every 1-2 weeks, but my tanks are under stocked so buildup is not as fast

[Austy16414]

Likewise morpheus. As long as you clean it regularly it really won't be a problem, but I just helped one of my buddies switch his gravel to sand and you wouldn't believe all the waste that had built up. It was truly disgusting, but then again, he never cleaned his

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[troy tucker]

Morph, Austy and I live around the corner from you. I know we all like looking at other peoples ideas for their tanks. Austy came by and picked up some plants from me. So he has seen my dirty tanks. I need to get out and see his. Would also like to see yours.
thinking out loud.

[troy tucker]

I have an old mag 350 it may need some parts but if you want it? Chad Free to you.

[Austy16414]

I didn't even notice the dirtiness, I was probably distracted by your awesome geo selection

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[morpheus]

i think i have a two bags of pea gravel in my garage if you go that route.

this is the closest picture i could find but its this brand:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Vigoro-0-5-cu-ft-Gray-River-Pebbles-54250V/100558618

they are like 20-25 pound bags. i forget the weight, but they would cover your entire bottom a few inches deep. i would sell those cheap.

Morph, Austy and I live around the corner from you. I know we all like looking at other peoples ideas for their tanks. Austy came by and picked up some plants from me. So he has seen my dirty tanks. I need to get out and see his. Would also like to see yours.
thinking out loud.

yeah i have to make my way down there with you close by. i picked up two smaller female geo. surin. this weekend and a school of red blue columbians for the 56g. i think i fight broke out in the bag, or i didnt look in store close enough, and one of the females eye is beat up. the one female is kinda chasing the half blind one. still i think she will be fine and be pretty.

i sold the convict to fish gallery and got more than i thought i would :) the reaction of "that is one big a** convict" was pretty funny

[gambs]

What geos are you housing Troy?

[troy tucker]

I'm trying to work a deal for another surin. and keep the one I have. If the one female needs to be rehomed. I have a few other ego.a to trade.

[morpheus]

I'm trying to work a deal for another surin. and keep the one I have. If the one female needs to be rehomed. I have a few other ego.a to trade.

i will PM you to see what you think

[troy tucker]

What geos are you housing Troy?

i have Brasiliensis, Surinamensis, Redhead Tapajo, Satanoperca Deamon, Guianacara, and I still have Satanoperca Jurupari.

[chadw1920]

Wow you guys have been a great help. lots of good stuff said and I will be on here often I'm sure. I'm really not in a big hurry cause I want to do this right and not rush it. but I do need to get a filter to get it cycling. I'm guessing it'll take a month or so to cycle for a tank that size. then I will be needing some fish from you guys that breed and sale.