Finally got My 135 gallon tank

[Fishnthehood]

After months of searching Craig's list for my next tank I decided not to go big right now and settled for a 135 gallon. The tank came with a LifeGuard overflow box, 20 gallon sump filter with filter sock, sponges and ceramic media, Mag Drive pump and return. It also came with a Jebo 838 canister filter as well and a Via Aqua titanium 300 watt heater for the sump. I have a few questions for my fellow MF brothers and sisters.

1. Should I purchase another Jebo 838 to keep the tank extra clean?

2. I have a 6inch Oscar, 5inch Texas Hybrid, 4inch Cuban, a 3inch Trimac or Flowerhorn and a 7 inch common pleco. Should I add more cichlids and what type of dithers would you reccomend?

3. If I decided to rehome the fish listed above and start a breeding project what would you reccomend?

 

[soulpatch]

I am a big fan of silver dollars as dithers. Not too erratic so as to stress the other fish, school together, and just look great as a contrast to cichlids.

 

[Guapoako318]

I think you'll need another canister because the sump is on the small side for a tank that big.

For a breeding pair I'd do Jags or some kind of Red Devil/Midas/Trimac myself.

 

[jackel]

i use siled dollars in my 135, work great with large cichlids.

 

[Fishnthehood]

@ Gua .... So I should get another jebo 838 and another overflow box? What are your thoughts on underground filters?

@ SoulPatch and Jackal ... Thanks Fellas I like Silver Dollars what about Red Hooks?

 

[soulpatch]

I have not had red hooks so cant speak for them. I found the dollars and like em. Though I need to add some to my 125 as I need some dithers in there but need to get my 20 gal qt tank set up first before I introduce them into my main tank.

Then the 20 gal turns into my platy breeding den for live feeders...

 

[Fishnthehood]

Here are some of the fish that will be housed in the tank.

A Hybrid Texas ... I think and a Flowerhorn I think.

 

[Crispy]

I would get a bigger sump. 40-55g would be much better (since you're gonna use a sump anyways). The added water volume would really help IMHO.

 

[Gourami Swami]

I would get a bigger sump. 40-55g would be much better (since you're gonna use a sump anyways). The added water volume would really help IMHO.

I agree, a 20 gallon sump is small for a 135 gallon. I usually recommend the sump be at least 1/3 the size of the tank

 

[Amphilophus88]

Yes a bigger sump would be better.

About the stock.. I wouldn't add anything else cause things may already get pretty ugly with your current stock when they reach maturity.

Also watch the Oscar, Oscars usually aren't as aggressive as the other cichlids that you have.

If your Trimac is really a Trimac.. then I would sell the others and get a Trimac pair, but if it's a Flowerhorn I'd keep the Cuban and get a pair of those.