72 gallon bowfront - cichlid tank

[jarrodaden]

I am contemplating a complete overhaul of my tank. I currently have a non-aggressive planted tank.

I am thinking about removing everything and going with semi to moderately aggressive fish for the purpose of having slightly larger (4") fish with a variety of color. My kids love it when we get breeding activity, so the potential of that would have some appeal.

Your suggestions welcome for types of fish to consider. Photos would be appreciated as I know very few of these fish by name.

I also need some help with inexpensive rock. I plan to go non-planted with the new tank.

I will have lots of plants and fish to unload, but I am waiting until I have a plan together.

Jarrod

[Darbex]

Go to a local stone place and find ones you like they are generally a lot cheaper there. For fish I would recommend Mbunas. I am sure the Troph lovers will soon be on here to tell you to go that route. Best bet is to check out the below site and pick the type you like and check there compatibility.

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/

[jarrodaden]

I have been warned that some stone is harmful to fish and / or water chemistry. Can someone recommend a specific store in the Meyerland area?

[Darbex]

The only stone that I know of would be limestone but you need something to cause it to leach the calcium and what not out, ie. acids. And Houston tap is to high of a pH. Besides Africans like hard water with a high pH. I think most rocks would be fine for your application.

[jarrodaden]

I haven't made much progress with getting rid of my current fish, but my plans for the new cichlid tank are coming together.

I bought black gravel today. I also picked up some nice angular pieces of gray stone ranging from softball to basketball size. I am currently on the hunt for some "twigs" of driftwood. I PM'd Dustin to see what he might have. I am also on the lookout for a good deal on the artificial clumps of tall / slender grass that looks like monkey grass but stands up straight.

The plan is to stock with Malawi cichlids and peacocks and a few bristelnose for cleaning.

I need help with a few things:

1) I am working on a deal for a second eheim filter to improve my water quality. Knowing my primary pump has carbon, floss, and media in it, how would you suggest that I pack the second filter. I am looking for clean water, with any other treatment that would help the cichlids to thrive. One person suggested some crushed coral in the filter for hardness maintenance. Suggestions?

2) How thick does my substrate layer need to be? I think many of these fish like to burrow a bit.

3) For the experienced cichlid owners, what is the potential downside to buying smaller (less expensive) fish vs. larger, more colorful. Obviously, determining sex in a small fish can be more challenging. That said, I have a hard time justifying a $25 fish when I can get a smaller one for $5.

4) I am already using New Life Spectrum Thera + and I plan to continue using that. I also throw in algae wafers. What should I add to my feeding regime for the cichlids?

5) I am thinking about putting a very small amount of java moss on the driftwood to get a mossy effect. I know cichlids and plants don't really work together, but is a small amount ok?

Thanks for any help and suggestions.

[Mzungu]

I haven't made much progress with getting rid of my current fish, but my plans for the new cichlid tank are coming together.

I bought black gravel today. I also picked up some nice angular pieces of gray stone ranging from softball to basketball size. I am currently on the hunt for some "twigs" of driftwood. I PM'd Dustin to see what he might have. I am also on the lookout for a good deal on the artificial clumps of tall / slender grass that looks like monkey grass but stands up straight.

The plan is to stock with Malawi cichlids and peacocks and a few bristelnose for cleaning.

I need help with a few things:

1) I am working on a deal for a second eheim filter to improve my water quality. Knowing my primary pump has carbon, floss, and media in it, how would you suggest that I pack the second filter. I am looking for clean water, with any other treatment that would help the cichlids to thrive. One person suggested some crushed coral in the filter for hardness maintenance. Suggestions?

2) How thick does my substrate layer need to be? I think many of these fish like to burrow a bit.

3) For the experienced cichlid owners, what is the potential downside to buying smaller (less expensive) fish vs. larger, more colorful. Obviously, determining sex in a small fish can be more challenging. That said, I have a hard time justifying a $25 fish when I can get a smaller one for $5.

4) I am already using New Life Spectrum Thera + and I plan to continue using that. I also throw in algae wafers. What should I add to my feeding regime for the cichlids?

5) I am thinking about putting a very small amount of java moss on the driftwood to get a mossy effect. I know cichlids and plants don't really work together, but is a small amount ok?

Thanks for any help and suggestions.

1) What kind of filter do you have on it now (sorry, I'm sure you wrote that somewhere before. )? What size Eheim do you plan on getting? I'd probably pack the other filter similarly to what you have on the existing one. Filter pads for mechanical filtration and carbon might help with your desire for "clean" water.

2) What size/diameter is the gravel you bought?

3) I'll leave that for the cichlid people. :)

4) That sounds fine. Depending on the species you decide on will help you fine-tune your feeding regimen if needed.

5) I don't see why you couldn't try it! They might mess with it a bit, but if you anchor it down well, it may not be too much of an issue.

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[jarrodaden]

2) What size/diameter is the gravel you bought?

Pea gravel

[jarrodaden]

The tank is finally finished and stocked!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CphQQxrc1o

[Somefishguy]

Looks good, nice clean setup. For now i think your rocks are fine, but when the fish get bigger you may wither want some more rocks for hiding holes or some holey rock.

Looks good though

[jsnoravo]

ohhh yeahhh.... frontosas. awesome choice Jarrod.

[gotticgs]

simple and highly effective I like the way you have it