Review please 1.2

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
R

Raetak

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 19, 2010
585
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Florida, USA
The request is a 55 gallon with a mixture of mbuna cichlids for $350 maximum. I've not done a mbuna cichlid tank before but I think I have got a decent idea of what I need.


I was thinking about ordering 12 of this mixture.
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=830+831+2936&pcatid=2936

Will this work out? I am planning on over-stocking to help with the aggression. On that thought, what would be the best number?

So for the decor he wanted it to be cheap yet decent looking, so I said that this would be the best option if he intended to keep the costs as low as possible.

Substrate,
Natural colored pebbles purchased at home depot.

Decor,
Clay Pots also purchased for home depot or garden store.

As for filtration I said I would look at the best option and get back with him. I was thinking since it would be over stocked that I would get a over-powered filter out of necessity.

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3579+16744&pcatid=16744

The one rated for 100 gallons? It's on sale and has good reviews.


Anything out of the normal I need to know? I'm gonna use regular lighting that usually comes with the tank. Forgive any obvious mistakes in the set-up, I'm 15 and can get away with being a little oblivious to my errors.


Thank you very much! Let me know if the color organization is annoying, it helps me read.
 
Over filtration is always a good idea. Lots of decor is good, usually a pile of rocks that they can hide in is best as this is their natural enviroment.

Crushed coral mixed with the substrate would be a good idea, these fish come from a high pH they would probably be fine with your local water but with a higher buffered/pH water tehy would probably look nicer.
 
Oh, we won't be needin a ph boosters... We've got 7.8-8.2 ph.

I'll see if he want the rocks or the pots.
 
Nice, yeah i had well water when i had them so i wanted to raise it a bit. If you google 'mbuna tank' and look at the images you will see some good rock setups. It's amazing how fast they can dissapear into the rocks when scared.
 
lol Well I will post pictures of this finished product in the next month or so.
 
I don't have a lot of experience with mbuna cichlids, but 12 fish at 5" once fully grown in 55 gallons seems a bit much, especially with just that canister filter. Up your filtration, or you and your fish will suffer in the future. Spend the money now and you will never regret it.
 
The filtration is double what is suggested. Am I suppose to get a filter that does quadrupole?
 
Raetak;4854084; said:
The filtration is double what is suggested. Am I suppose to get a filter that does quadrupole?
Click to expand...

As a general rule I always take what a filter is rated up to and cut it in half. In your case you will be dealing with an overstocked tank as well, requiring additional filtration.
You will be servicing your tank and filter constantly. All work and no play...

So to answer your question: Yes, getting a filter rated for somewhere around 150+ gallons would work well. Or getting 2 rated at around 100 gallons.
 
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