How many fish and what substrate?!?!

[CanadianKeeper]

Ok so my 125 has been empty for a while now... I am limited on cash. I only have an ac110 for this 125 gallon....

I know I want plants in this tank, I was thinking of doing some african cichlids...

So what is the benifits of sand vrs gravel?! I mean Should I get general sand from home depot ? My friend said it took for ever to wash and clean. But there is non silica based sand blasting sand for VERY cheap...

What I can think of is sand is better because plants can root easier and the poop will stay on surface (easier to gravel vac out)....

For the large petco/petsmart gravel it would sink and plants would not root aswell would they? Also I dont think smaller cichlids could dig around in it ?

So Im leaning more towards sand? Agree with me ?

Secondly how many fish could I get away with with lets say an ac110 and some java fern in the tank? its a 125...

Should I just wait before I stock it to get a bigger filter ?

 

[mattstevens1]

I would say sand is better for plants seeing as exactly what you said they are easier to root in but they are also easier to root out in the sand so remember that as well. Anything from petco/petsmart is going to be overpriced if you go to a pool store you can get a 25lb bag of sand for like 9-10 bucks..... now with an AC110 I think your options are fairly limited seeing as (correct me if i'm wrong) the turnover rate is only like 300gph so you would get like 2.5x turnover and hour which is hardly anything.... But I guess with some plants you can do a pair of something maybe....

 

[JC09]

sand is definitely the way to go.. you can get a 50lb bag for $5-10 depending on where you are and where you go. as stated above, with an ac110 you're options are limited and you should probably upgrade.. you may be able to get away with a light bioload if you keep up with the water changes tho

 

[drowen02]

with africans and sand be prepared to be re planting some plants for awhile because africans love to dig, good idea to let the plants get established then introduce the africans

 

[virgil2090]

I think an AC110 is rated for 500 gph.yes it would be better to have 2 filters on that size tank.if your want cheaper alternative get a big air driven sponge filter.I think many kinds cichlids will eat your plants

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[CanadianKeeper]

hmmm. Ok picking up some sand this weekend. I might not do africans I think I will just do a fishless cycles while I save up for a bigger filter...

 

[PwNz I R COLE]

Gravel is easier to clean but traps more crud but doesn't hold plants well but sand holds the well but ive never used sand but the problem with cichlids is they like to chew up plants well my Amphilophus Labiatus (Red Devil) does Africans are omnivores and like vegetable matter in Their diet and may eat them as far as I'm aware but I don't really keep africans I keep centrals and some SA I have few Africans like 3 but I would go with sand as long as u don't use a sump with a shut off to drain the tank


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[lp85253]

sponge filters!!!! get 2 BIG ati sponge filters and run em on air or a powerhead and then stock with WHATEVER YOU WANT... use the ac110 also .....

 

[duanes]

Since you said you want java fern, be sure not to bury the rhizome in either sand or gravel, if you do, the plant with rot and die. Very much like anubias it can be attached to rock or wood, it will send roots into both of those, or sand or gravel (you can insert the roots in sand).

anubias left, java fern right, note the exposed dark roots.
The anubias is attached to wood, each plant is about 12" high and 12" across

 

[CrypticLifeStyle]

Keeping plants with cichlids can be a real PITA. Keeping plants healthy long term, or even short term takes more knowledge, and time then keeping fish. Before i spend money on plants do some research over at plantedtank dot net. They live, and breath the plant aspect of the hobby.

Personally with my own experience, and others i've seen keeping java fern with cichlids is challenging, and if your constantly having to replant the plants, the plant will never acclimate, and just die off eventually. Anubias however dosnt need to be substrate planted, and you can hang them on the tank wall by suction cups, or tie to a rock or driftwood, and wont be at risk for root rot.

I've had a lot of success growing plants with pool filter sand. But i found adding flourite or eco-complete definitely helps.