Hello all!

[bermudezaa]

Greetings everyone.

My name is Angel and I live in Miami. I've been a member for a few months now but have been very quiet. I have read a lot of the amazing discussions that take place here and they have been inspiring.

I've been into "fish-keeping" for about a year now. I started with a 10g, then quickly got a 55g, then a 65g and now I have a 155g.

I plan on doing a set up for african cichlids, and will very much like your help and suggestions, as it will be my first time.

Below you will find pictures of the way my tank looks now. I've been adding plants, slate rock and driftwood for about two weeks now, after letting the tank water run for a month - at which point the sand (substrate - "ideal for african cichlids") settled as well.

If you know, please try to identify the plants for me as I only know 2 of the types but am not sure if the would work for my "african" set up.

I also have some "Cichlid Lake Salt" by Seachem, which has not been added yet for fear it may harm the plants and the fish I have in there at the moment.

The current inhabitants are 2 blue botia loaches that I had in the 65g, along with 2 kuhli loaches (newly introduced) and an african cichlid (not sure of the correct specific species).

Also, I am using lights that have "daylight", "actinic", and LED bulbs. The timer is programmed as follows.

Daylight: 8:30AM to 6:30PM
Actinic: 6:30PM to Midnight
LEDs: Midnight until 8:30AM

I'm not sure if the timing could be improved, but I am open to any suggestions as to how the timing could be improved to optimize the inhabitants natural behavior.

Thanks again for giving me some of your time and I look forward to becoming a fully active member here at MFK.

 

[bermudezaa]

Wow sorry. I Dont know why the pictures came out sideways. I'll try to re-post them now.

 

[Lupin]

to MFK, Angel! Glad you finally decided to post and join our discussions.

 

[CLDarnell]

Hi Angel! Welcome to MFK! About time you did a shout-out! lol.

Your tank looks great! I can't wait to see more shots of it. Your plants look amazing!

Starting at the bottom, not sure what it is, but I have some too. I haven't had much growth yet, but they always look healthy. The second from the bottom is hornwort. I love this plant...it never stops growing! The rest, not sure...one looks like Wisteria, but mine is stalkier where your's is leafier. Not sure.

Doubtful you'll going to have to add salt to your tank for Cichlids. You'll need to test your ph levels of course, but IMO, it's better to have a stable, slightly off ph than to have "swings" as you try to adjust it with additives.

Hope to see you around the forum...good luck!

 

[bermudezaa]

Thanks a lot Lupin and Darnell. I'm looking forward to gaining some knowledge. Sorry about the sideways pictures. I don't know what happened but I'll re-add them now. This time, hopefully I'll get it right.

I did a water change yesterday, so I'll test the PH when I get home today.

 

[bermudezaa]

Ok so I tried doing so but all the pictures keep posting sideways and I don't know why...

So here is a picture of how the tank looks. Maybe you can get a better view of the plants this time around.

 

[Pandamania]

Welcome bermudezaa! Love your tank deco! Was wondering what kind of wood that is? In one of the pic's it sort of looks like it's got 'white stuff' covering it?, or is that just the camera angle? Your choice in plants really compliments the beautiful rocks you've chosen. Swee--ee---te!

 

[bermudezaa]

Hey Dragon. Thanks for the compliments.

I dont know the exact type but it is one of those "reptile/aquarium safe" pieces. I've seen them at various places for $20+ for that size but I got those for $9.99 each at Petco. And saw the price and told myself I couldn't pass up on the sale! lol. The wood does have some white stuff on it. It freaked me out a little bit at first, because I boiled each piece for 20min for 3 consecutive days before putting it in the tank to make sure it had nothing that would ruin the parameters. I thought the 3 day ritual would be enough.

I quickly searched "white hair on driftwood" on google and from what I read it is normal. It is some form of algae that feeds on the protein in the wood, and once the protein is all gone, then the "white hair algae" disappears. Do you know if there is any truth to this?

I haven't been bothered since reading it was "normal" because the water parameters are stable and I think it looks kinda cool. Once it disappears, my LFS sells java moss (i think that's the right name for it...) in a container which I can then place on top of the wood. I'm not sure it that would be a good idea. Any suggestions?