Substrate Pros and Cons

kiwiraka

Exodon
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Jul 20, 2017
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Hi everyone,
This is my first post.
I'm from New Zealand. I've kept fish for years, from tropical community tanks to native freshwater and native temperate marine.
I've had an Oscar before and it's one of my favourite fish I've ever kept.
Anyway, I'm setting up a 6' 580l (150 g) and I'm trying to decide whether to go BB or sand substrate. I've never gone BB before, but I'm aware of how messy cichlids can be. But I'm also aware of how Oscars like to dig.
So BB or sand?
Also I'm wanting to do a community of just large American cichlids. What do you guys have? What fish should be avoided?
Also filtration is a 400l (105g) sump.
Cheers
Raven
 
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dan518

Potamotrygon
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Sep 20, 2014
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I would always go for a substrate with cichlids.
In that size tank I would go for a breeding pair, ime you need 2 or 3 tanks to do a community so you can swap and move fish around till you get a workable setup and even that can fall apart after a few years of working.
 
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dan518

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BB tanks can look cleaner but whether you collect the solid waste in a filter or sump or the main tank it still needs removing on a weekly basis.
Pretty much all sa/ca cichlids live close to cover of some sort, without this cover or substrate I believe the fish can get stressed which can results in slower growth and a higher chance of infections.
 

kiwiraka

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Jul 20, 2017
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Thanks, I'll go with the sand.
So no chance on mixing Americans in a six foot?
I've got a 100g and a couple of 50g tanks to separate fish if necessary.
 

dan518

Potamotrygon
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Thanks, I'll go with the sand.
So no chance on mixing Americans in a six foot?
I've got a 100g and a couple of 50g tanks to separate fish if necessary.
It can work sometimes with well thought out stock, what have you got in mind
 
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kiwiraka

Exodon
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I haven't really thought it out too much.
Obviously not Red terror, jaguar etc. I've researched that much ;)
I like the sound of JDs and Green terrors though.
I'm not really sure what else is available in NZ.
 
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dan518

Potamotrygon
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Probably best to have a look around and see what's available there, then post a few potential stock lists up so people can advise you.
 
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David R

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Not too much else available here other than what you've mentioned. Convicts of course, Texas, very occasionally Cubans. I saw some nice looking Firemouths at HFF yesterday too. Another other option is non-cichlid tankmates like silver dollars.

I definitely think sand is better than BB, looks nicer and lets the fish behave more naturally too. I use the "washed builders sand" from Bunnings, it's only about $8 for 25kg, looks nice and natural and doesn't affect the water. Just don't believe them when they say "washed"!!
 

kiwiraka

Exodon
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Thanks David
Would a lone male convict be okay by itself with other large cichlids?
Would one of each of the following work? Or too many fish?
Jack Dempsey
Green Terror
Firemouth
Convict
Oscar
 
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