im completley lost on what to do with my new up and comming 75 gallon aquiarium, i dont know how many african cichlids to put in or what to use gravel rocks sand idk?! and what kinds of fish are compatible with them and ph levels with plecos i just dont know. so any advice or information you might have or experienced would be much appreciated THANKS GUYS!
how to build my cichlid tank?
- Thread starter bonkoland666
- Start date
Is the tank 4' or 5'? I would use sand or CC for a substrate and put in lots of rocks, slate, and or limestone for aquascaping. I'm not in the camp that advocates just species from one single lake but it might be a good place to start. Make sure you buy a stainless or titanium type heater.
As to fish, compile a list and post it as to compatability.
As to fish, compile a list and post it as to compatability.
Aragonite sand, "Cichlid Sand", or as Pantera mentioned Crushed Coral are the best types of substrate, although if you decide to go with Mbuna, I would not recommend the CC due to the fact that they will dig and the broken shells could cause injury.
And Again... hitting on what Pantera said, look around at whats available that you like the most and we can help you sort out compatabilities when you find species that you are interested in
as for pH... what is your base pH from tap?... and what is the pH of the LFS? (if applicable)
Tank mates... Plecos can usually adapt to any pH... BUT if its a bottom feeder you're looking for I always suggest Synodontis Catfish, they're a little on the aggressive side and wont take the cichlids crap ha ha ha, and they also are comfortable at a high pH
And Again... hitting on what Pantera said, look around at whats available that you like the most and we can help you sort out compatabilities when you find species that you are interested in
as for pH... what is your base pH from tap?... and what is the pH of the LFS? (if applicable)
Tank mates... Plecos can usually adapt to any pH... BUT if its a bottom feeder you're looking for I always suggest Synodontis Catfish, they're a little on the aggressive side and wont take the cichlids crap ha ha ha, and they also are comfortable at a high pH
Yep, let' not complicate things!
Good points MalawiDave, let's hear about the pH from your local tap!
thanks for all your input guys your doin awsome, and as far as cichlids im going to go with a colorful group that gets along with eachother if possible. Any ideas what that might be?!? im open to all suggestions 
Well, take a look at the selection from Lake Victoria, you're not going to find a more colorful bunch. If you're interested, let me know what you like and I'll help you pick out some with the same temperament.
I agree with pantera again... Vics ARE the most colorful individuals...
I'd suggest... depending on parameters of where they are raised... mixing Victorian and Malawi Haps. I've had plenty of success mixing Pundamilla and Xystichromis of Victoria with Protomelas and Copadichromis from Malawi together. Plenty of color there I think, similar sizes, and Temperments
I'd suggest... depending on parameters of where they are raised... mixing Victorian and Malawi Haps. I've had plenty of success mixing Pundamilla and Xystichromis of Victoria with Protomelas and Copadichromis from Malawi together. Plenty of color there I think, similar sizes, and Temperments