75 gallon Firemouth build thread

[Johnez]

Hey all, I've made quite a few threads already regarding the different things that pop up when setting up a tank, so before I make anymore I'll just create a single thread and put everything here.

Plans/specs/details:

75 gal
Sand substrate
Pea gravel strewn about
Smooth river rocks varying sizes

Plants
-Fissidens moss
-hairgrass
-val (jungle or american/gigantic)
-myrio green

Fish
-small FM shoal (5-6)
-green swords (1:3 m:f, 4-6)

So far I have the tank as pictured in the attachment, I'm planning on adding sand possibly HTH pool filter sand, or black aquarium sand (not BDBS), both of which I already have.

Wondering:

-Does sand color make a difference in color/health of Firemouths? Not sure if I should go with natural tan or black here.

-Should I bother with plants? Was thinking having a gravel/stone back edge and wedging in the myrio and Vals, but have read FMs are hard on plants. If plants don't work out might end up piling up rocks and sand in a back corner and wedging in the hair grass, attaching moss to the rocks and having my filter flow water over that. For the green in the rest of the tank, maybe floaters (frogbit, mini water lettuce, etc) for some cover and growing algae on some of the larger stones.

-Do LFS Firemouths fare ok for color/health as they mature? I'd like to order from a good online retailer (TWS, TUIC) but the fact that it's best to have a female heavy ratio has me hesitant in order to re-home to get good tankmates. If I get em locally I'd probably be able to return them without as much hassle. I hear FMs bred in captivity aren't as vibrant as they used to be.

Wanting to model my tank off the SA/CA biotope sticky and also:

Any suggestions welcome!

 

[Toiletcar]

Awesome idea for a tank ?
I prefer pool sand or light colored sand because it’s more natural. I mix in small pebbles and crushed coral (for ph). I like to keep the background. IMO the best way to get colorful fish is good LED lighting. It really makes a huge difference especially when it comes to blues.
Plants-don’t worry too much. Firemouths dig, but IME they don’t dig up plants. They won’t eat plants either. Most CAs will and is one reason they destroy plants.

 

[FJB]

You have been given some good pointers.
The piece of driftwood you got is awesome!
Good luck with your project.

 

[Rocksor]

Lee Nutall is one of guys that is the go to biotope for Central Americans. Here is his biotope FM tank:

Free online issues of the Central Scene written by him

nuttycichlids Publisher Publications - Issuu

I have been keeping North & Central American cichlids for almost 30 years. This genera of cichlid holds a huge fascination for me. I love their shapes, behaviour and unique spawning and brood care. Once you understand their behaviour and requirements, they are the most rewarding fish to keep in...

issuu.com

His FB page

Facebook

www.facebook.com

 

[Johnez]

The Lee Nuttal stuff is amazing. I just checked out his Facebook page and someone posted an underwater video of Mexican waters-uts so hard to find that anywhere! I'll check out his magazine.

toiletcar-thats good to know about FMs and digging. I suppose these guys dig with a purpose, rooting around for food instead of to destroy scapes lol.

 

[Toiletcar]

The Lee Nuttal stuff is amazing. I just checked out his Facebook page and someone posted an underwater video of Mexican waters-uts so hard to find that anywhere! I'll check out his magazine.

toiletcar-thats good to know about FMs and digging. I suppose these guys dig with a purpose, rooting around for food instead of to destroy scapes lol.

Yeah they take small mouth fulls of sand and do more picking of the substrate. The only plants I use are hornwart and anubias. The anubias are planted in the sand as well on the wood. But plants aren’t typical of a CA themed tank.

 

[Johnez]

Starting the algae covered rocks. Not using any water movement, but if this doesn't work out I'll head to Wally World and grab a bigger container. Accidentally wasted my water change down the drain, would have made good water to grow algae with the nitrates, but remembered duh-ferts, lol.

 

[Johnez]

More rocks

 

[Johnez]

Really wish I had some small boulder sized rocks to add some perspective or something. Found a possible source for larger rocks in South Coast Supply in Huntington Beach. Probably hit them up this weekend.

 

[FLA]

That is an excellent tank. I don't comment on that a lot as there usually isn't a lot to say and no one else wants to read 20 people saying the same thing. It is so nice to see someone value the firemouths as they are. It is so sad when we get caught up in this fish isn't "worth anything" or "rare enough". I think they are one of the most under appreciated fish out there. LFS fish come from the Florida farms. I know everyone talks bad about them, but IME they grow out into very nice specimens if you are patient. I think Toiletcar 's fish are right in line with what to expect, but I have seen them grow up even brighter. He also made a great choice with the swords.

I kept jungle val with them and had no problems, but I did cover the roots with larger rocks to get them established. Once they settled in and let runners go they didn't seem to need the rocks.