new to cichlids

[jloos1988]

my brother went to the LFS and got me a awesome 5" Compressiceps and i liked him alot so i'v decided to make my 75g a cichlid tank. im new with cichlid tanks so i need to know what to do as with what substrate, and i heard rock structures and caves are good for cichlids? i was wondering about other africans i should get like would peacocks be good with a Compressiceps? help me out people

 

[mike dunagan]

sand is great for tang such as a comp. Caves and rock work is a must. They love to hide and sneak up on food. Peacocks are great with comps. Any other questions?

 

[gomezladdams]

Texas holey rock,limestone,coral are great for decorations to keep ph up to where tans will show thier beauty.Some crushed coral in a stocking in the filter is good too.

 

[jloos1988]

doesnt using sand make it a pain for vaccing the gravel?

 

[BIGgourami]

no you just have to be more careful.
besides it looks WAY better w/sand.

 

[toehead11183]

i agree to all said above

 

[ikevi]

I again agree with most that is said. Most people who start with gravel/crushed coral often switch to sand later on. But as you said it is a little more work, but really not that much. Whatever you put down will be quickly rearranged to suit the fish. As for rock work, a must for most fish. (Haps and peacocks only need a few smooth rocks to break up line of sight though.)

I would first suggest that you figure out what area you want your fish from before you really decide what types of rocks. (IE holly rock/lace rock, or smoother stuff for the bigger fish.)

 

[N-E Cichlids]

I would not keep that Bichir with you Africans as it says in your signature. Also You mention Peacocks with your Comp. I assume like everyone else here you are talking about the A. Comp and not the D. Comp "Malawi Eye Biter". I would keep Tangs with each other and not mix the Malawi Peacocks. Peacocks are more Docile, but I have known some to get pretty nasty.