Safe Rock & other decor

[luvmycichlids]

Hi everyone,

I'm planning my community/S. American Cichlid aquarium and need some advice on safe rocks, etc. I plan to have Rams so I'm aware of the "Holey" limestone rock that I need to stay away from. I already have some slate and a lava rock piece but I'm not sure what else is safe. Also I have read about adding Oak leaves, Cocunut shells and of course drift wood to the bottom of the tank. How do you prepare these safely for the tank?

Planning to have A. Curviceps (2) with (2) Rams and possibly a pair of Kribs or dwarf Cockatoo Cichlids (if I can get a larger tank)along with (2) Kuhli Loach and either (6-10)Cardinal Tetra's or Silver Tip Tetra's. Will use a 30 gallon or hopefully a 55 gallon for my set up.

All advice welcome & appreciated!!! :)

[Astex]

I would be a bit worried about mixing the rams and the khuli loaches. My understanding is Rams like the bottom of the tanks and can sometimes get nasty. I would be worried about combining that with the antics of the loaches. Loaches also tend to do better in larger groups (3+) and are defintly more fun to watch in larger groups.

Also, I would look for a 40 gallon breeder over the 55gal. It has a much nicer foot print and you get more floor space to help set up territories for the different fish.

HTH

[luvmycichlids]

<p>

Hi everyone,</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>I'm planning my community/S. American Cichlid aquarium and need some advice on safe rocks, etc. I plan to have Rams so I'm aware of the &quot;Holey&quot; limestone rock that I need to stay away from. I already have some slate and a lava rock piece but I'm not sure what else is safe. Also I have read about adding Oak leaves, Cocunut shells and of course drift wood to the bottom of the tank. How do you prepare these safely for the tank? </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Planning to have A. Curviceps (2) with (2) Rams and possibly a pair of Kribs or dwarf Cockatoo Cichlids (if I can get a larger tank)along with (2) Kuhli Loach and either (6-10)Cardinal Tetra's or Silver Tip Tetra's. Will use a 30 gallon or hopefully a 55 gallon for my set up. </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>All advice welcome &amp; appreciated!!! <img src="http://www.houstonfishbox.com/vforums/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Smile" smilieid="1" class="inlineimg" />

</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

[luvmycichlids]

<p>

I would be a bit worried about mixing the rams and the khuli loaches. My understanding is Rams like the bottom of the tanks and can sometimes get nasty. I would be worried about combining that with the antics of the loaches. Loaches also tend to do better in larger groups (3+) and are defintly more fun to watch in larger groups.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Also, I would look for a 40 gallon breeder over the 55gal. It has a much nicer foot print and you get more floor space to help set up territories for the different fish. </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>HTH

</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


Astex-Thanks so much for the info, especially about the tank size. I didn't know about the "footprint" which is important with cichlids. I checked the sizes out and it looks like either the 40 gallon breeder or a 50 gallon would work out since they both have a width of 18". :)

[Astex]

I didn't realize how much it can help until after I got into loaches and other bottom dwellers. It is also much easier to decorate/landscape a 18" deep tank.