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Using Dead Live Rock (Base) for Africans?

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

  1. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

    Top Poster Of Month

    Okay, so since it was brought to my attention upon trying to sell my dead live rock that it can be used in african tanks, I decided to put it to use. The selling of it didn't turn out well, I guess there is no other use for it :)

    So, I am going to set up my 29 gallon into a Lake Malawi Mbuna tank. I have really nice pieces of base rock to use, lots of holes and crevices. My question is, how do I prepare it for freshwater? Is there a soaking method to get rid of anything bad for freshwater?

    Also, what are a few good species for this type of setup? I have 2 yellow labs, male and female (non-pair, still fighting since I got her a few days ago).

    I really like the look of the demasoni (sp?), venustus, redtops, johanni, and red zebras. But, I don't want any fighting going on.

    The fish per gallon ratio leaves me at about 5 fish total at full grown.

    Anyway, if you guys have some advice on preparing the rock, on setup and keeping, or advice on Mbuna cichlids please let me know [glasses]

    Thanks!

    - Travis [withstupid]
     
    Anonymous, May 14, 2009
    #1
  2. LemonDiscus

    LemonDiscus Active Member

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    Fish per gallon is a BAD "rule" that should not be followed! It does not take into account territories and all fish need different amounts of space.... as you know, discus need tall tanks more than long as they dont swim back and forth much, rather raise up and down all day near where the food gets put in.
     
    LemonDiscus, May 14, 2009
    #2
  3. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

    Top Poster Of Month

    Its a 29 gallon bowfront but will have plenty of rocks in it. I definitely don't want to have like 1 or 2 fish in it as nice as it is going to look.

    Any suggestions?
     
    Anonymous, May 14, 2009
    #3
  4. LemonDiscus

    LemonDiscus Active Member

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    I dont give advice on Africans other than many species are more territorial than the SA/CA species... you have to watch what you get but I dont know who is nice and who does not play well with others in the African tank...

    I at least try not to talk about things I dont know :D
     
    LemonDiscus, May 14, 2009
    #4
  5. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

    Top Poster Of Month

    Anthony? Dawn? Any suggestions? I am setting up my tanks tomorrow so I am leeching you guys of advice! HAHA
     
    Anonymous, May 14, 2009
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  6. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    Sorry, I don't do the cichlids (had severe aggression issues with them when I had them in the 90g). Basically turned into a kill fest once they grew to about 4"
     
    MOD_Dawn, May 15, 2009
    #6