My new 46 gallon bowfront!

[Natalie]

Wow, you picked a good one! He's got really striking markings. He does look a little stressed in the photos. He might appreciate some driftwood or plants to provide some security.

Edit: I just saw that you said you're planning on changing the decor. Sorry I missed that.

 

[Gruntking]

Thanks for the feedback! Ill probably be changing the decor next weekend, but hes stressed out because i just put him in the tank today.

 

[Gruntking]

Well decided to move the 2 convicts and jewel cichlids i had in my sisters 10 gallon to the 46. They are doing great so far. I wanted to add a nice piece of driftwood in here already but dont have the funds for it atm.

I found some nice rocks at home depot though.. they are 6 x 6(inches) and they range from 1/4 to 1" wide. They had them for .89 each which is a steal compared to other places. I might buy this and some sand, they had pool filter sand... 7 dollars for 50 pounds.

So anyways, i added some pvc pipe connectors from home depot after thorough cleaning and it provides excellent shelter for them for $7.

Here is how the tank is looking now, water is a bit murky since i guess it just started cycling.

Current stock is: 2 jewels(1.5 inches), 2 convicts(1-1.5 inches), tiger oscar (1.5-2 inches), and 2 clown loaches (1.5-2"). Once they are big enough they will be moved to a bigger tank and maybe ill keep the convicts and jewels here by themselves. Only time will tell!

 

[Natalie]

Here is how the tank is looking now, water is a bit murky since i guess it just started cycling.

Grunt, the tank wasn't cycled before adding fish??? Cichlids are relatively hardy but ammonia and/or nitrite toxicity can still easily kill them. Since you already have your fish and can't do it any other way, I'd strongly suggest adding a source of beneficial bacteria like Dr. Tims. I'm afraid your fish won't make it otherwise.

 

[Gruntking]

The tank and water parameters were already cycled, i added the BB once i added the fish, and thats usually what causes the water to be come a bit murky.. My nitrates/nitrites are at 0

 

[SCGeordie]

I have a HOT 250 and an AC70 on my 46g Bowfront, replaced the carbon in both with bio media and have had no problems filtration wise. Never heard of Dr Toms so I'd go with Seachem Stability and treat with Prime daily untill the tank is cycled.

 

[ironballz]

I love bowfronts. Bought my dad one for xmas and now i'm waiting for a friend to hopefully give his up and let me take it hehe.

 

[Gruntking]

Well i will be moving the convicts and jewels to my gfs tank.
They have been bothering and pecking my oscar, and have almost killed one of my loaches.
I will also get a Geo that i have in my gfs tank and put him in here, and hopefully get another one today.
Im changing the substrate to sand as well. Will post pics later!

 

[groovylime]

The plan to have the xp3 on the 46 is a good one... assuming you will be moving the main polluters as they outgrow the tank. I'm very happy with the one I have on my 46 bow.
The clown loaches will be much happier with the sand you plan to add ...you should get a couple more, but have a plan for when they outgrow the tank in 3-5 years.

 

[Gruntking]

Ok so i just added the sand and my water looks like crap...

I bought the pool filter sand at home depot... $5.39 for 50 pounds.
I came home took out the gravel from the tank and used the python to remove any waste that was left over. I then took out the fish and put them in a 10 gallon container with an air machine.

I rinsed the sand(half at a time) in a 5 gallon bucket until the water was somewhat clear.. not crystal by any means but way clearer than when i started rinsing.

I then added the sand to the tank and now the tank water is murky as heck..

My questions...
1. Will putting the fish into this murky water harm them in any way?
2. How long would it be for my water to clear? Current filter is a penguin 350
3. Will doing some water changes speed up the process?

Heres what the tank looks like now.