Brand new to cichlids please tell me if my tank setup/hardscape is okay...

[FlanBurberry]

Hi, this is my first time keeping any sort of cichlid, although I have plenty of other tanks running. I tried to read as much as I could and use the resources I had. All fish seem to be enjoying the setup, not much agression, as I've counted over 50 definite caves/tunnels and currently only 12 fish. It's a 75gal tank. Is there too much open space or will that be good to have as they grow? I wasn't looking to do an exact biotope, but something that would make my mostly malawi fish thrive. Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated. Thank you.

 

[FlanBurberry]

This was also my first post on these forums, so if I should have posted this in another area, I apologize... Also, another question I have is with the use uf airstones. I have read conflicting views everywhere. I currently have 2 running along the back but can shut one off or slow each down if necessary? Thanks.

 

[FlanBurberry]

Anyone?

 

[james99]

It looks nice, plenty of hiding spots from the looks of it. The air stones are s personal preference, I've never run one in my tanks.

 

[epsteino]

Looks Nice. I would paint the back black. Would hide equipment and looks better than plain glass when algae grows on it. As long as you don't have plants that they will eat in there, They should survive. Perhaps they are fake plants?

 

[FlanBurberry]

Cool, thanks for the replies!! I definitely want to paint the back, wasn't sure if I wanted to do black or blue, but I was leaning towards black. Yes all of the plants in there are artificial "hemp" plants lol

 

[Maritimer]

Or get a black on one side blue on the other background, then you could decide what colour you liked without painting.

 

[krichardson]

The layout looks nice.It's the kind of look that I would go for if I were to do an African tank.

 

[pagdenjohn@]

very nice set up, I would go with the black background it will really make the colours pop.

 

[FlanBurberry]

Thanks everyone! The fish are all doing great, very beautiful and interactive. I'm definitely glad I took the plunge