my new 55 galon tank. what i need to know

[Istfensarion]

I just filled my 55 with substrate, decor, and fake plants until my fern like plants take hold. I would like to make a ciclid tank, my first ciclid tank what do i need to know and is it special to set up? I would like a colorful tank with maintenance fish as well I would also like suggestions on the fish i should stock too. All input is greatly appreciated!

Lawrence

 

[Whiteboi_J]

hey i jus set up a 55g african tank over the holidays w/ crushed coral and THR (texas holey rock)....a couple of tips.

1. get everything in the tank sans fish while ur tank cycles...i added the THR after my tank cycled and 2 months later i'm still dealing with .25 Ammonia and a constant battle with nitrates.

2. I'd nix the plants (though it sounds like u've already ordered them. the Cichlids will re-arrange the substrate as they see fit, and that may include digging up and/or eating ur plants

3. make sure there are plenty of hiding places for ur Cichlids

4. Don't get a pleco cause it will outgrow ur 55

5. i wanted to throw some Otos in there but afraid my cichlids would eat em. lol

hope this helps

 

[RabidSheHamster]

What does the texas holey rock do? (or is it just for decoration)

 

[calpoly12]

hey i jus set up a 55g african tank over the holidays w/ crushed coral and THR (texas holey rock)....a couple of tips.

1. get everything in the tank sans fish while ur tank cycles...i added the THR after my tank cycled and 2 months later i'm still dealing with .25 Ammonia and a constant battle with nitrates.

2. I'd nix the plants (though it sounds like u've already ordered them. the Cichlids will re-arrange the substrate as they see fit, and that may include digging up and/or eating ur plants

3. make sure there are plenty of hiding places for ur Cichlids

4. Don't get a pleco cause it will outgrow ur 55

5. i wanted to throw some Otos in there but afraid my cichlids would eat em. lol

hope this helps

The cichlids will not likely eat your plants, they will rearrange them. A pleco wont necessarily outgrow a 55 gallon.......dont know where you got this info from but not all species of plecos will grow to be huge..just FYI

 

[Whiteboi_J]

What does the texas holey rock do? (or is it just for decoration)

ya it's jus decorative rock that has holes, which make great homes for cichlids

 

[Whiteboi_J]

The cichlids will not likely eat your plants, they will rearrange them. A pleco wont necessarily outgrow a 55 gallon.......dont know where you got this info from but not all species of plecos will grow to be huge..just FYI

I mean to say cichlids can/will rearrange or dig up your plants.

and no not all species of plecos won't outgrow a 55, but the common pleco that's readily available at all LFSes will.