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Starting a cichlid tank....

Discussion in 'Cichlids' started by Anonymous, Jun 14, 2009.

  1. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

    Top Poster Of Month

    Hey ya'll.. we are moving in 3 weeks, and we have an empty 30 gallon tank. I was wondering what you would recoomend decor wise, and if all cichlids are compatable? Thanks!!
     
    Anonymous, Jun 14, 2009
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  2. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    Depends on what your looking for...

    Myself I use Eco-Complete, But if your doing cichlids I'd suggest pool filter sand

    Decor Wise I'd go planted and natural, But again...if your doing cichlids I'd suggest lots of rockwork such as these>http://www.kensfish.com/Chichlidstones.html

    Background I'd go black to make their vivid colors pop

    Filtration obvioulsy being overkill

    Lighting Maybe something with acitinics such as a 50/50 (I like the salty look)

    Ps. All cichlids aren't compatible
     
    MOD_Dawn, Jun 14, 2009
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  3. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    Africans (" is adult)
    temp 72-80F

    Electric Yellow 6"
    Johanni (Blue) 5"
    Albino & Red/Orange Zebras 5"
    Auratus (White? with elongated black stripes) 5"

    Others that may work>Botia sp, Synodontis sp. Catfish
     
    MOD_Dawn, Jun 14, 2009
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  4. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    Or these:
    Kribensis Cichlid 3.5"
    Keyhole Cichlid 3.5"
     
    MOD_Dawn, Jun 14, 2009
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  5. stevenrox

    stevenrox New Member

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    i personally would chose a tank with black gravel some plants and a couple kribensis cichlid or german blue rams :D
     
    stevenrox, Jun 14, 2009
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  6. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

    Top Poster Of Month

    how about sand bottom?
     
    Anonymous, Jun 20, 2009
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  7. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    I did sand in my previous african cichlid tank and wouldn't use it with them again...they stirred it up everywhere and jammed my impeller up on my filter [cussing]

    That's just my 2 cents though...and I no longer have them>>moved on to a planted community tank ;)
     
    MOD_Dawn, Jun 21, 2009
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  8. buzz4520

    buzz4520 Well-Known Member

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    imo i wouln't use sand either with african cichlids, like dawn said they'll stir it up and it'll get into the filtration and make the tank look cloudy. they really like to dig. i've got like dime sized gravel in my african and they still act like little bulldozers and they move it around the way they see fit, not the way we like to see it. lol !
     
    buzz4520, Jun 22, 2009
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