55 gallon Cichlid tank

[dskrpncs]

I am in the beginning stages of starting a new 55 gallon African Cichlid tank. I have the stand and the tank but I am looking for some opinions on one thing at a time. I am looking your opinions on a couple of different topics.

1. What is the best substrate? Which ones can you syphon and which ones must you leave alone? I am looking for the least amount of maintenance as possible.

2. Tank filtration...any suggestions on what filtration would be best?

I think that I will be using Lace Rock and flagstone.

Thank you in advance

 

[Veil-o's]

I use play sand in mine for substrate. Lots of people suggest mixing in a net full of crushed coral to raise the PH level to what they prefer (Mbuna). And you will have to clean any substrate that you put in the tank.

For filtration I suggest picking up the AC110, or a couple if you have the cash. Remember to keep the intake raised up high because the fish will dig and clog your filter... I know cause it happened to two of mine.

The high PH and good lights on the tank will make the fish look amazing. Just be sure to do your weekly maintenance, these little guys can be quite the mess.

 

[FUEGO]

My 55GAL African mbuna cichlid tank has '2' AC-110s and '1' Fluval-405 plus air stones with pump. I also use control crowding in order to cut down on aggression and with that weekly water changes are a must. They are also prolific spawners, fry hide in the gravel and rock work. Very entertaining to watch.

 

[dskrpncs]

Do you guys use any jets in the tank to create current?

If I have a bunch of rock in the tank this tells me that regardless of the substrate I will need to remove the rocks every time I clean the gravel.

Seems to me that if you use sand that filtering the sand would result in nothing more than lost sand.

 

[evbal]

1) There is no the best substrate, depends on what you like. I prefer sand in my cichlid tank. Get some rocks for them to hide, they like rocks.
2) AC110 and a canister filter with full of ceramic rings are great

 

[GermanRam]

I am in the beginning stages of starting a new 55 gallon African Cichlid tank. I have the stand and the tank but I am looking for some opinions on one thing at a time. I am looking your opinions on a couple of different topics.

1. What is the best substrate? Which ones can you syphon and which ones must you leave alone? I am looking for the least amount of maintenance as possible.

2. Tank filtration...any suggestions on what filtration would be best?

I think that I will be using Lace Rock and flagstone.

Thank you in advance

I have found that using two, hob AC 70's in a 55g keeps the work down big-time! They will run you around 50$ to 70$ but you can get one for 20$ right now at ....http://www.bigalsonline.com/

Lace Rock and flagstone are both great chooses and I have and am using them now.

Sand or gravel? I have used them both and both have there advantages and disadvantages. I feel that they both take the same work to keep them looking good and to keep your fish healthy. I would go with what looks the best to yourself on that one.
Good Luck

 

[dskrpncs]

1) There is no the best substrate, depends on what you like. I prefer sand in my cichlid tank. Get some rocks for them to hide, they like rocks.
2) AC110 and a canister filter with full of ceramic rings are great

Do you guys use any jets in the tank to create current?

If I have a bunch of rock in the tank this tells me that regardless of the substrate I will need to remove the rocks every time I clean the gravel.

Seems to me that if you use sand that filtering the sand would result in nothing more than lost sand.

 

[dskrpncs]

I have found that using two, hob AC 70's in a 55g keeps the work down big-time! They will run you around 50$ to 70$ but you can get one for 20$ right now at ....http://www.bigalsonline.com/

Lace Rock and flagstone are both great chooses and I have and am using them now.

Sand or gravel? I have used them both and both have there advantages and disadvantages. I feel that they both take the same work to keep them looking good and to keep your fish healthy. I would go with what looks the best to yourself on that one.
Good Luck

I wish they were $20....I'd buy 2 for sure...they are $45 now at bigalsonline.com