View Full Version : New and need help!
lippy415
06-28-2007, 3:57 PM
:help: Hello all! My father-in-law is giving us a 125 gallon tank. I guess it's best to keep the gravel wet and save all the good bacteria but he says the tank is all green and gross so I guess I'll rinse everything and start fresh. Here is my question - I would like to start an African cichlid tank using the Lake Malawi cichlids. I'm not sure how many to put in to start the tank after it has cycled. I want a variety of colors, I have two little boys who would really like to see some pretty fish. I'm not sure how many males to females and things like that. I was also told to overcrowd to try to help with the aggression these fish show. Should I purchase the fish at the local fish store or should I use something like liveaquaria.com? Any advice would be appreciated!! This is my first post, I have LOTS to learn!
Thanks in advance,
Erin
Fishman07
06-28-2007, 4:13 PM
First you need to find a filter sutable to your needs. put in all the plants and substrate you want to have. your substrate will need to be at least 3 to 4 in. deep. if you want real plants, you will want soe thing preferably made for plants, for aquatic plants, not potting soil. You will need to have this tank up and running for at least a month to cycle the tank to gett the good nitrifing bacteria back up and clearing the water of ammonia and nitrates,etc. During this time you will need to go out and buy a good test kit if you can, test your wter regularly for as long as it takes for the water to become stable and stay stable for week or more. then you can add fish, if you want a fishless cycle. and by the way, that miracle cycle cycle formula stuff that claims to cycle your tank when you pour some in, DOES NOT WORK!!!! when cycling your tank, there is no substitute for time.
Fishman07
06-28-2007, 4:14 PM
oh and chichilids aren't to compatibale w/ plants, i don't think.
rwilliams254
06-28-2007, 4:23 PM
I'm a big fan of the Rena XP3 filter. Goto www.petsmart.com (http://www.petsmart.com), find the XP3, print out a copy of the page and go to the store. Have the store pricematch the website. You'll save $$$.
The same goes for the test kit. Petsmart.com then find the Master kit. It's a liquid test kit. very easy to use once you do it once or twice.
BTW: congrats on the 125 gallon tank.
Can your father help you with the set up?
lippy415
06-28-2007, 10:04 PM
Thanks for all the info. I was planning on getting that aragonite stuff to mix in with my father-in-law's gravel. I think he will be helping us set up, but he is not familiar with African cichlids so I'm on my own there. Any advice on how many to put in after the cycling period has completed?
Erin
Aphotic Phoenix
06-28-2007, 10:10 PM
oh and chichilids aren't to compatibale w/ plants, i don't think.
Most African cichlids will tear up plants, while some (most?) South Americans won't. Best to look up individual species to find out what their habits are.
Fishman07
06-30-2007, 4:32 PM
Yeha, congrats on the tank, lucky duck. I wish somebody would give me a big ol' tank, too lol
Rbishop
06-30-2007, 5:33 PM
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84598
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42633
Start with the above threads, then post any questions you have...:grinyes:
Fishman07
06-30-2007, 7:23 PM
hey, if you ever get bored and you do go w/ african chichilids, you could make one of those DIY racky backrounds in the freswater products & DIY section!!!!! hey, you think we could get some pics of the tank. If you haven't noticed, we here at AC are in LOVE with pics:perv:
lippy415
06-30-2007, 8:14 PM
I will be sure to post pics when I get the thing all set up and running. Now I just have to wait a month for the cycling! Ugh! I thought I would have a hard time, but try telling two little boys that the big fish tank will be empty for the next 30 days! It will be worth it in the long run...
hey erin
I replied to your thread in Cichlids about the same tank :)
Having it empty during the cycle will be much better than potentially having sick fish in there, and a lot less work on the water changes.
Get the lads online and picking out some pictures that they like etc. Or give them the job of doing the tests during the cycle etc. Also spread out the set up process - so get a substrate, filter, heaters in quick but let them help do the rockwork etc. over the course of the cycle.