Help me convert planted to cichlid 220g!!

[180gz71]

I downsized my 220g planted. I need something a little less maintenance right now. I know I want some type of cichlid, but I still want it to look pretty good. I would also like some type of rockwork, but Im also trying to keep the cost down. Already have filters, more than sufficient lighting, and all the other standard equipment. I also have extremely hard well water if that makes a difference. Oh well, I would like some pics, ideas, and info on the harder water species. TIA

peace,
mark

[ibr3ak]

This is my biased opinion (and because your water sounds to be perfect for this) :D go with either malawi or tangs, a nice size colony of frontosa would be sweet in a 220. You could also do a hap/peacock setup or a few different colonies of tropheus, or a crapload of mbuna :) with that tank size the possibilities are endless.

You could get cheap rock at landscaping yards or free rock around lakes or beaches :), the only costly thing with africans are fish themselves and overfiltering (if you don't have it already).

[ibr3ak]

Here's a link for general african species if you decide to go that route:
http://cichlid-forum.com/articles/african_cichlid_genus_gallery.php

[180gz71]

I will research the sp. uv given me. I prefer the smaller fish look, and that way I can get more fish in there:drool:. And as for the rock, I was just under the impression that I needed special substrate and rockwork. I already use my landscape stores for the rock in my planted tanks. And filtration, I beleive Im covered-1-FX5 and XP4. Thanx for the help. Also the tank is still running with a few fish left to keep bacteria up.

Thanx for the infos keep it coming.

Peace,
mark


This is my biased opinion (and because your water sounds to be perfect for this) :D go with either malawi or tangs, a nice size colony of frontosa would be sweet in a 220. You could also do a hap/peacock setup or a few different colonies of tropheus, or a crapload of mbuna :) with that tank size the possibilities are endless.

You could get cheap rock at landscaping yards or free rock around lakes or beaches :), the only costly thing with africans are fish themselves and overfiltering (if you don't have it already).

[jpappy789]

OMG I could have so much fun with this setup!

There are just too many options...but first do you plan on malawis (mbuna? peacocks? haps?) or tanganyikans?

I prefer tangs (:D) but with so many options we need to narrow it down.

[longislandfish]

Thats funny I just Set up my 210 Gallon with Africans and Holey Rock. I can get you a picture of it tomorrow if you want an idea of what you can do.

[jpappy789]

I have fallen in love with holey rock, too bad it's so darn expensive otherwise I would have more. I have probably spent almost $100 on the stuff and it's only the beginning. :D

[longislandfish]

Dont get me started on Holey Rock Prices. I spent close to $500 on it for my tank, but nothing compares to seeing the fish disappear into a hole and come out another, they love to play in it!

[180gz71]

I have no idea what type I want right now, but I know I would prefer a smallish species. I also want the rockwork to be darker. I am open to suggestions. Im just kinda lookin for something a little easier to maintain with a 220g.

[ibr3ak]

Most mbuna and peacock species grow to around 5"-6". Dark grey granite or marble looks great when stacked (and I'm partial to it as that's what I use now, and it was free from the beach :) ).

[ibr3ak]

Check the link in my sig to get an idea (most of the rocks in the pics are covered with brown algae but it's slowly going away, as expected), also here's a link with another setup that uses granite:

http://www.greenstouch.com/africanlakes.htm

[180gz71]

Perfect, exactly what Im wanting. What type of substrate should I use with it though? Im not doing sand.

Check the link in my sig to get an idea (most of the rocks in the pics are covered with brown algae but it's slowly going away, as expected), also here's a link with another setup that uses granite:

http://www.greenstouch.com/africanlakes.htm

[ibr3ak]

Test your water, if the chemistry is right for the african tank then you can use any substrate you'd like, if it still needs buffering then get the crushed coral, it looks great if you like white or tan substrate and you get occasional small shells.

[Lupin]

Lake Tanganyikan cichlids for me. What about CA/SA cichlids? Uarus and severums are always cute.:hearts:

[180gz71]

I like severums, but I want the standard cichlid shape I guess. Ill be gone researching for a while, lots to think about.


Lake Tanganyikan cichlids for me. What about CA/SA cichlids? Uarus and severums are always cute.:hearts:

[dent20]

I have both Africans and New Worlds in different tanks and while I'd love two 220 gallon tanks for both, if I had just one I'd pick New Worlds. I guess because they're bigger and would be more entertaining in a tank that size. Either way it sounds fun. Save the plants for a smaller tank.

[MIKE D]

Wait what are you doing with your plants? any FS?

[jpappy789]

Perfect, exactly what Im wanting. What type of substrate should I use with it though? Im not doing sand.

Why not sand? Its cheaper than gravel and best for africans. But like ibr3ak said you might need a boost in the water hardness/pH so crushed coral might be needed.


Lake Tanganyikan cichlids for me. What about CA/SA cichlids? Uarus and severums are always cute.:hearts:

Same here Lupie:grinyes::grinyes:

[180gz71]

ph 7.8+(as high as test kit goes)
gh 16 degrees(drops it takes to turn from red to green)
with these params what do u suggest.


Test your water, if the chemistry is right for the african tank then you can use any substrate you'd like, if it still needs buffering then get the crushed coral, it looks great if you like white or tan substrate and you get occasional small shells.

[jpappy789]

Sounds pretty good to me. Anything around 8 is usually ok unless you are dealing with wild caught species who would probably need a higher pH and probably Gh. But in your case, perfect for africans...any reason why you do not want sand?

[180gz71]

Ok water params.
ph 8.0ish
gh8
kh8
fully cycled
what species?????:perv:

[ibr3ak]

Take a looksee here:

http://cichlid-forum.com/articles/african_cichlid_genus_gallery.php

Come up with the species you like, post your list and go from there.

[Alan R]

I downsized my 220g planted. I need something a little less maintenance right now. I know I want some type of cichlid, but I still want it to look pretty good. I would also like some type of rockwork, but Im also trying to keep the cost down. Already have filters, more than sufficient lighting, and all the other standard equipment. I also have extremely hard well water if that makes a difference. Oh well, I would like some pics, ideas, and info on the harder water species. TIA

peace,
mark

I have the same tank. i am making mine a SA Cichlid set up.

[Alan R]

Take a looksee here:

http://cichlid-forum.com/articles/african_cichlid_genus_gallery.php

Come up with the species you like, post your list and go from there.

I don't know why you had to go and post that link. Now I have more fish to go my wanted list that I can't have. :silly:

[180gz71]

Im liking pretty much all of the Julidochromis, they apparently stay small which is what Im looking for.

Thanx for the link, now where to get them?

[jpappy789]

Here are the max sizes for juli's. The larger ones are also considered to be the most temperamental.


dickfeldi-4"
marlieri-5"
ornatus-3"
regani-5"
transcriptus-3"

Julidochromis are sold a lot on aquabid.com. I do remember an AC member with a tank (I think 75 gallons) and only juli's. However they are not naturally "shoaling" fish and even fry are considered threats to the parents. If you really want to go tangs I would also suggest a school of cyprichromis leptosoma if your budget allows it. They are pretty expensive but a large group (20+) would look AMAZING in that tank size. You could also try sandsifters (Xenotilapia)

[austinpetemo]

no convestion necaserry. just insert chiclids and your plants will disapear!

[180gz71]

Alright, just got 6 brichardi daffodils, and 12 julidochromis a mix of marlieri, ornatus, and reganni. pics later. Letting them acclimate right now....

[jpappy789]

Interesting mix. Let me know how it works out!