From Saltwater to Freshwater

[alvin]

Hello AC,

Well, i decided to make the switch from SW to FW aquarium. Mainly because of the cost. I calculated that I have to spend around $700 to get my SW tank into the correct reef tank way. So after going to the fish shop today here in Sacramento, I saw a Red Devil Cichlid, which I thought was really cool. Especially since it seems to be more "interactive" than other fish I've had.

Anyways, I plan on getting rid of my Crushed Coral and live rock and starting from scratch. I was wondering what is a good "habitat" for this Red Devil Cichlid? (eg. Substrate, plants, etc.)

I have a 110 gal tank, and I definitely want a RD fish. I am a bit concerned with keeping the bottom and sides of the tank clean. Since this is my first time reading into Fresh Water Tanks, what would be the best scavenger if I have a RD? I hear that RD's eat whatever fit's in their mouth, so I don't want to buy some scavengers that are just going to get eaten. I also want something that will clean my tank as well.

I'm curious what others keep with their Red Devil, and I would appreciate some suggestions. :dance2:

I currently have 2 Fluval 405's, and 2 1200 Maxi-Jet pumps. I'm trying to research if I should buy Sand, or Gravel. I heard that plants are a big no no with the RD Cichlids.

Ok, it looks like I have to get back to work. Any help is much appreciated.

[alvin]

Oh, is it possible that I can reuse my Crushed Coral from my SW to use in my new Fresh Water Setup? Of course with proper rinsing and stuff. I would hate to get rid of it since i did spend some $$.

[TimmyB42386]

coral will alter the ph of the water.. you could use it, but would be better off with inert gravel.

The best cleaner for freshwater aquaria containing bruisers like RD's is an arm with a scrubber attached. Common plecs are just about worthless as adults at eating algae, and any of the smaller species will be eaten or tortured to death by a RD.

As for bottom feeders there are so many different types of catfish for the bottom that might work you should find one you like and ask us here about compatability,

The problem is cichlids are really variable in their personalities and what one might tolerate.. another might rip its eyes out of its head.

Get your fish, find something that should be compatible, add it, hope for the best but be ready to move it out if your RD tries to rip its face off.

Another tip with RD and other cichlids for that matter is to try to not end up with males and females. These guys are notorious for hybidizing (is that even a word? haha) with other cichlids, and if they spawn, your gonna have a massacre on your hands for its tankmates, probably including the female.

[alvin]

Cool, so I'll take out the Crushed Coral, and look for some gravel. So I take it that the black sand wouldn't be recommended with Red Devils? And I guess if I do get the RD, I will not be able to put any other fish in there, is that correct?

How about if it is the same size. The RD that I saw is about 7-9 inches, and did not see as agressive as the other one's i've seen. So I am hoping for the best.

But then again, I might not want the RD, if that is going to be the only fish in my 110 Gal Tank.

any other suggestions?

[TimmyB42386]

hmmm.. lots of amazing centerpiece fish for a large aquarium like that..

troll around the net for a while, and see what you come up with, and what you like, but I can tell you there are much prettier fish than a RD

[Mr.Firemouth]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I don't care for puffers but others love them, so if RD's are your thing then jam with that!!!

On the substrates...use flourite mixed with black inert gravel(coated) to darken it up some. Use the flourite red for the RD to redden up to. Paint the back of the tank black also. It will help with the look of depth.

Use large heavy rocks in cool shapes and place them on the bottom of the tank so when the RD digs the rocks won't fall over. Use about 2" of gravel.

For plants use large grown out stands of Java Fern. RD's won't tear them up as much. I have some 10" tall plants that are at least 8" round. That is what you are looking for. use black ABS plastic pipe from the plumbing supplier for tubes that other fish can seek shelter in. Place these behind the aquascape to hide them.

Use big filtration with large cichlids. I prefer wet/dry with large water changes. This is one thing that will be alot easier compared to SW.
Also use a Hydor Korilla 3 powerhead in that tank for added circulation.

Check with AQUA MOJO about big cichlids. Look him up on youtube.com

[Garbage]

Well, ive got a large red devil, here's the list of fish I have in with him:

1 Red Devil
1 Jack Dempsey
1 jewel Cichlid
1 Electric Yellow cichlid
1 Electric Blue Cichlid
1 Cobalt Blue Cichlid
1 Green Severum cichlid
1 Jewel Cichlid
1 Red Tail Black Shark
1 Black Shark
1 Chinese algie eater

Ive got an oscar and I wouldnt recommend an oscar with a devil, currently trying to rehome him as the devil does NOT like him and is visciously beating on him, I constantly have to put the oscar in an isolation net however, all the other fish on that list get along wonderfully! The chinese algie eater is a wonderful algie eater, alot of people dont like them because they can be agressive but I think they fit in with cichlids and sharks very well! Hope that helps.

[Mr.Firemouth]

GARBAGE,

These 3 fish should be kept at pH values higher than 7.8 .
1 Electric Yellow cichlid
1 Electric Blue Cichlid
1 Cobalt Blue Cichlid


The rest of the fish on the list should be kept between pH levels of 7.0 to 7.6 .
This would mean that the above mentioned 3 fish are not compatible with yours. However, if all the fish are currently being maintained at a pH level of 7.8 or higher the other fish can adapt and be kept without harm. Sound confusing? The problem is African cichlids do not do well at lower pH's but most FW fish can adapt to higher pH values.

[Garbage]

GARBAGE,

These 3 fish should be kept at pH values higher than 7.8 .
1 Electric Yellow cichlid
1 Electric Blue Cichlid
1 Cobalt Blue Cichlid


The rest of the fish on the list should be kept between pH levels of 7.0 to 7.6 .
This would mean that the above mentioned 3 fish are not compatible with yours. However, if all the fish are currently being maintained at a pH level of 7.8 or higher the other fish can adapt and be kept without harm. Sound confusing? The problem is African cichlids do not do well at lower pH's but most FW fish can adapt to higher pH values.

Im aware of ph level issues, to be honest I havent even broken out the test set in ages so I couldnt tell you what my current ph level is. Probably something I should get around to doing, that said Ive been doing my weekly 30% waterchanges and Ive got lots of filteration and o2 in the water. Just havent had the need to worry about the ph, all of those fish except the BS,Electric blue,and oscar have been living togeather for a long long time without incident. Thanx for the heads up though, I have the test equipment, Ill definantly get around to testing it soon just for the heck of it:) Ive got hard water here most likely at a higher ph level since all of my little guys have adapted very well. Ill keep you posted!

[Rbishop]

I feel the pH isn't a big issue for what you have listed, they will adapt. Also, hard water will not necessarily mean you have high pH.

[Garbage]

I feel the pH isn't a big issue for what you have listed, they will adapt.
Agreed!:dance2:

[Nutt]

Well, ive got a large red devil, here's the list of fish I have in with him:

1 Red Devil
1 Jack Dempsey
1 jewel Cichlid
1 Electric Yellow cichlid
1 Electric Blue Cichlid
1 Cobalt Blue Cichlid
1 Green Severum cichlid
1 Jewel Cichlid
1 Red Tail Black Shark
1 Black Shark
1 Chinese algie eater

Ive got an oscar and I wouldnt recommend an oscar with a devil, currently trying to rehome him as the devil does NOT like him and is visciously beating on him, I constantly have to put the oscar in an isolation net however, all the other fish on that list get along wonderfully! The chinese algie eater is a wonderful algie eater, alot of people dont like them because they can be agressive but I think they fit in with cichlids and sharks very well! Hope that helps.


I agree the chinese algie eater works well and fits in great with my cichlids. Also I agree that the pH is not as big of a deal as some make it out to be, might be diferent story if it gets too low.

Question? It is my uderstanding that crushed coral is in afrrican substrate mixes and is what helps raise and maintain the pH. Is that incorrect?

[Garbage]

I agree the chinese algie eater works well and fits in great with my cichlids. Also I agree that the pH is not as big of a deal as some make it out to be, might be diferent story if it gets too low.

Question? It is my uderstanding that crushed coral is in afrrican substrate mixes and is what helps raise and maintain the pH. Is that incorrect?

I wish I could help you there, Ive never used crushed coral though, Im sure there is someone else on here who has experience with it:)

[alvin]

Well, ive got a large red devil, here's the list of fish I have in with him:

1 Red Devil
1 Jack Dempsey
1 jewel Cichlid
1 Electric Yellow cichlid
1 Electric Blue Cichlid
1 Cobalt Blue Cichlid
1 Green Severum cichlid
1 Jewel Cichlid
1 Red Tail Black Shark
1 Black Shark
1 Chinese algie eater

Ive got an oscar and I wouldnt recommend an oscar with a devil, currently trying to rehome him as the devil does NOT like him and is visciously beating on him, I constantly have to put the oscar in an isolation net however, all the other fish on that list get along wonderfully! The chinese algie eater is a wonderful algie eater, alot of people dont like them because they can be agressive but I think they fit in with cichlids and sharks very well! Hope that helps.

Thanks for the response! I am curious what size tank you have and what kind of substrate. I am still trying to gather up idea's for my 110. For sure I am going to get rid of my Crushed Coral, but what am I going to use and fill it with hmmm :huh:

[alvin]

Oh also, someone mentioned me creating "undergravel jets" if I have a red devil. Do you think I should? I currently have 2 1200 Maxi-Jets, so i'm still debating if I should just use those for my Oxygen (blwoing bubble thing) or buy something else.

Again, all your reponses are much appreciated.

Maybe I will not even get a Red Devil, if there are other fishes that someone else might think will go well in a 110 gal tank.

Thanks :)

[Garbage]

Thanks for the response! I am curious what size tank you have and what kind of substrate. I am still trying to gather up idea's for my 110. For sure I am going to get rid of my Crushed Coral, but what am I going to use and fill it with hmmm :huh:


Not a problem:) My tank is a 125 Gallon and Im using just plain old gravel in the bottom of my tank:)

[Garbage]

Oh also, someone mentioned me creating "undergravel jets" if I have a red devil. Do you think I should? I currently have 2 1200 Maxi-Jets, so i'm still debating if I should just use those for my Oxygen (blwoing bubble thing) or buy something else.

Again, all your reponses are much appreciated.

Maybe I will not even get a Red Devil, if there are other fishes that someone else might think will go well in a 110 gal tank.

Thanks :)

Not sure what an undergravel jet is but what I would recommend is what I have, Ive got 3 of the biggest powerheads I could find, one in the middle and one on either side of the tank. And this is a must, Ive got a 6ft long air curtain, I highly recommend it, not only does it look GREAT, it provides LOTS of o2 in the water for the fish, here are some pics of one they fin in the rear of the tank:
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-150cm-60-inch-Aquarium-Air-Curtain-Bubble-Wall_W0QQitemZ220040666454QQihZ012QQcategoryZ20755 QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fish-tank-aquarium-5ft-air-bubble-curtain-60-bendable_W0QQitemZ120082657903QQihZ002QQcategoryZ2 0757QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem