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Converting freshwater to cichlid (Advice wanted)

Discussion in 'Cichlids' started by BROOKS, Jun 9, 2009.

  1. BROOKS

    BROOKS Thread Starter New Member

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    So I wanna switch to a Cichlid tank... As you know I currently have a community tank...and ive suddenly found a love for Cichlids...so i was wondering how do i go about doing such a thing, is there anything i need to know...thanks
     
    BROOKS, Jun 9, 2009
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  2. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Well, you'll need to remove all the community fish first.

    If it's a planted tank, remove the plants as well.

    What are your water parameters ?
     
    Anthony, Jun 10, 2009
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  3. BROOKS

    BROOKS Thread Starter New Member

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    Okay...another question what if i want to change the tank decor/layout(gravel,rocks,plants etc) would i have to start all over again..?
    and my parameters are:
    Ammonia-0.0
    Nitrite-0.0
    Nitrate-25ppm
    PH-7.5
     
    BROOKS, Jun 10, 2009
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  4. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Nope, just keep your old filter media in use and keep fish in there as long as possible. Once you remove the fish your bacteria will begin to die as it will have nothing to produce ammonia for it to feed on.
     
    Anthony, Jun 10, 2009
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  5. BROOKS

    BROOKS Thread Starter New Member

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    okay...do you reccomend any specific decor for a cichlid tank...like type or gravel or sand, or rocks, plants...and also how i convert the gravel to anything else?
     
    BROOKS, Jun 10, 2009
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  6. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    No plants unless you're doing something like Angels or Dwarf cichlids.

    You'll want LOTS of rocks in the tank to create hiding places. The gravel/sand is up to you depending on the look you want. If you want to remove the gravel in the tank then you're just going to have to scoop it out with something like a dust pan or cup.
     
    Anthony, Jun 10, 2009
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  7. gsoul55

    gsoul55 New Member

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    What size is the tank?
     
    gsoul55, Jun 10, 2009
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  8. buzz4520

    buzz4520 Well-Known Member

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    What kind/type of cichlids ?
     
    buzz4520, Jun 23, 2009
    #8