Feedback on Convict Setup

[RTCfan86]

Hello all. I recently set up a 40 gallon breeder with the intention of adding a pair of convict cichlids. I’ve done a lot of research on convicts in their natural environment and tried to somewhat mimic what I’ve seen. I’m curious if anyone has any suggestions on my setup? The one large rock on the left has been hallowed out to create a cave. Should I add a second cave?

 

[SourAngelfish]

looks good but could use botanicals. a nice layer of oak leaves would help, and small twigs

 

[Hybridfish7]

pretty good. oak leaves, and maybe some river rocks from home depot will help fill it in a bit. A quick way to make a tank look more mature is leaving the light on until the algae destroys your aesthetic, black out the tank to kill the algae, and then at that point the dead algae or the good algae that grows in its place

 

[RTCfan86]

pretty good. oak leaves, and maybe some river rocks from home depot will help fill it in a bit. A quick way to make a tank look more mature is leaving the light on until the algae destroys your aesthetic, black out the tank to kill the algae, and then at that point the dead algae or the good algae that grows in its place

I have a couple bags of Mongolia leaves. Does it make a difference, or is there something special about oak for this setup? Also, are the river rocks you are referring to pebble size? Would you suggest just sprinkling them over the sand randomly?

 

[Hybridfish7]

I have a couple bags of Mongolia leaves. Does it make a difference, or is there something special about oak for this setup? Also, are the river rocks you are referring to pebble size? Would you suggest just sprinkling them over the sand randomly?

No, oak is just readily available, so it's a first choice when making recommendations for leaf litter. As for the river rocks, I mean the bigger ones you could probably skip on a lake, just to fill in the gaps between your larger rocks. The leaves and sticks will break down, filling the gaps in even more with mulm.

 

[RTCfan86]

No, oak is just readily available, so it's a first choice when making recommendations for leaf litter. As for the river rocks, I mean the bigger ones you could probably skip on a lake, just to fill in the gaps between your larger rocks. The leaves and sticks will break down, filling the gaps in even more with mulm.

Makes sense, thank you!!

 

[A201]

I think the tank set up looks really good. I agree that botanicals will make things look more natural, but will also likely stain the water & possibly lower the PH.
Convicts are Central American Cichlids & although very adaptable, they thrive in hard water w/ elevated PH.

 

[Mazan]

In my experience adding leaves doesn't change the pH much at all, especially with regular water changes. I would add more rocks to provide more cracks and crevices and arranged to provide additional potential spawning sites.. I would like to see algae all over the rocks and wood eventually.

 

[newworld]

As for habitat I found them in clear shallow rivers or weedy muck…

 

[Gourami Swami]

Looks great, some more wood and some leaves would continue the look, I would try to get cover in the top portion of the tank, it tends to make your fish much more comfortable and outgoing.