firemouths

[JeffC]

black substrate really makes their colors pop some driftwood with java fern or moss a rocky cave oh and make sure the substrate isnt too large tankmates i like congo tetras cory cats and you cant go wrong with a bristlenose pleco

ooooopss, thats what i meant. bristlenose

 

[JeffC]

I have heard sand is not good in a freshwater aquarium. Does anyone here have sand substrate? How do you maintain it and control bad gas release? I would love to try sand but have been afraid

 

[dave1982]

how about lighting

 

[TheMightyOscar]

a 15-20 watt flourescent will do just fine

 

[rmcder]

I have heard sand is not good in a freshwater aquarium. Does anyone here have sand substrate? How do you maintain it and control bad gas release? I would love to try sand but have been afraid

I love sand. Get pool filter sand, wash it well (pm me if you want details), and you'll have no problem with it. Keep the depth around 1-2", and the fish will move it around enough to prevent gas bulidup (there are other tricks also). The fish love it, it is easy to clean, and there is no buildup of debris underneath (as there usually is with gravel).

 

[Headrush]

sorry, but I just don't get that warm fuzzy feeling thinking about putting a pair in a 36 gallon unless its a 4 ft tank? how long is it. I think firemouths would need more room than that but just MO.

http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_meeki.php

I think, if you're looking for a really colorful, cool cichlid, look at the german blue rams. They'll impress you guaranteed. NOW I know they're not MONSTER FISH but they're very active and two pairs would work very nicely if the tank is planted as well. You might even get away with 2 males and 3 females if you try it. Their water needs to be kept in good shape tho so plan on changing the water once a week.

http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_ram.php

Click on the GALLERY tab and there are tons of others to read-up on