Not sure if this is a good place to post since I noticed there are several sections sorted by region, but I have an empty 180 tank I need to stock and I've decided to go with some cichlids because the of the bright colors and mix of patterns that are available. I've kept fish on and off for 20 years so I understand the process of pH etc., but not sure if I need to start the tank over or not. The tank is a 180 standard with an FX-5 and a couple of power heads. The tank has been cycled as it used to be home to a dozen Reds so the water was kept around 78-80 and it currently has black gravel and several large pieces of wood. I used to add peat extract a few times a year to keep the water slightly dark plus the wood leaches a small amount so it's currently has a slightly brown tint, but it's not dark by any means.
Is it possible to keep the same scape or do I need to get rid of the black gravel and wood and go with crushed coral to help maintain the pH level? If I keep the black rocks for the substrate would it be safe to just get crushed coral and use one of the section in the FX-5 to help maintain the pH or would I also need to add a bit of backing soda when I do water changes? I currently do a 5 gallon WC a week, but not sure if I would need to do more or less with cichlids. I also noticed that they prefer a rocky habitat, but is that required or would the existing wood be ok? If they will do better with rocks I do have some large pieces of black coral with quit a bit of holes and some sharp edges. I also have a few lava rocks, some lake rocks. I have a ton of various rock as I also used to keep several planted tanks and nanos when CRS allowed me to pay for my hobby, but is it ok to use ANY type of rocks or do I need a specific type?
I know the pH has to be raised up to around 7-9, but is there a specific pH for certain regions of cichlids or is it the same for all regions? Also is it possible to mix and match them by region or must I stay within 1 region?
I have read a little and I know they can be somewhat aggressive if I don't have a good mix of m/f in the tank or all males. I really like the look of the bright blue mumbas.
Is it possible to keep the same scape or do I need to get rid of the black gravel and wood and go with crushed coral to help maintain the pH level? If I keep the black rocks for the substrate would it be safe to just get crushed coral and use one of the section in the FX-5 to help maintain the pH or would I also need to add a bit of backing soda when I do water changes? I currently do a 5 gallon WC a week, but not sure if I would need to do more or less with cichlids. I also noticed that they prefer a rocky habitat, but is that required or would the existing wood be ok? If they will do better with rocks I do have some large pieces of black coral with quit a bit of holes and some sharp edges. I also have a few lava rocks, some lake rocks. I have a ton of various rock as I also used to keep several planted tanks and nanos when CRS allowed me to pay for my hobby, but is it ok to use ANY type of rocks or do I need a specific type?
I know the pH has to be raised up to around 7-9, but is there a specific pH for certain regions of cichlids or is it the same for all regions? Also is it possible to mix and match them by region or must I stay within 1 region?
I have read a little and I know they can be somewhat aggressive if I don't have a good mix of m/f in the tank or all males. I really like the look of the bright blue mumbas.
