Water currents

[bashley]

Hi Everyone
Which of the Cichlids prefer the faster currents in there tanks, and which prefer the calmer waters. I know Discus prefer calmer waters. I need to know this as im deciding on what filter system to set up in my new 4ft tank,

 

[ogre929]

shore dwelling species of african cichlids such as mbuna are used to waves and more water movement and others such as fronts and other deep water fish don't really have the same currents. but unless you're keeping something really sensitive like discus most dont care. unless you make a surge device on your tank. But normal filtration as long as it's not directed at anything shouldn't cause a problem

 

[Ash]

I would agree with ogre. There are so many dif types of Africans that live in such broad ranges of the lake, the current for each one is prob. different. For now I would stick with getting a normal fiilter and then if you do get a fish that likes currents add in a power head or a device as such to create the current later. It would be easier if you could tell us what kind of Africans you planned on getting or have been looking at?

 

[shekes]

I know Discus prefer calmer waters.

I know a lot of people who would disagree.

 

[bashley]

Im purchasing one of those tanks with the filter built into the hood and may have to put in a second filter, depending how the original hood filter performs . If I go with Discus Im worried that I may have too much current in the tank for them to be comfortable. If I decide not to go with Discus for this reason,I will then decide which way to go with another species, probably rift lake.

 

[shekes]

I did hear that discus don't like currents but I also heard the opposite. If you google for it, you will find both opinions stated on several websites 1000 times.
Personally I keep two (50&70g) tanks with 11 discus and both have undergravel as their only filtration. I do monthly WCs of 80%. the discus are beautiful, eat well, grow well and breed. I have UGF in 11 of 13 tanks and the discus tanks just don't need more filtration.
What can I say? I have no experience with discus and current.

On top of my head, I'd say they should be fine with current. Discus a really strong and fast-swimming fish. If discus are what you want, I am sure you can keep them somehow.
You should provide more details on the tank.

 

[bashley]

Thanks for your replies guys! The tank is 4ft x 18in x 2ft3in with a capacity of 75.4 gallons. The filter is a wet/dry that runs the length of the tank and comes with filter wool pads, and ceramic tube pieces. The return for the filter comes back in to the tank in the top right corner of the tank and is just submerged or I guess you would have it partly submerged to create bubbles for oxyganization.

 

[shekes]

It does not sound like that filter will make much of a current. You could keep up to 10 discus in this tank but only one or two breeding couples. Or a couple of Oscars, or JDs. But I'd go with a few Crenicichlas.
For better oxygination do not submerge the "return". Disturbing the surface is better than bubbles.
Interesting filter. Why don't you post a pic or a drawing?

 

[bashley]

Will post photos when I have the tank setup,have only taken delivery this week and have lots to do and many decisions to make before I have this up and running. Thanks everyone for your advice

 

[Colby]

I think so