Cichlids and Filtration for 125g

[davidtcb1]

I am likely getting a 125g tank that I want to put Cichlids in. Like Africans, especially Malawis. Would also like a Frontosa. Is this possible? Any suggestions would be great. Thanks! Also, I want to put an Eheim - my first experience with the brand - on the tank. Should I have two of these canisters? I am thinking of the Eheim 2028.

[liv2padl]

Would also like a Frontosa don't put frontosa in a tank of Malawi cichlids. the Mbuna are far too rambunctious for the shy and retiring front. moreover, the best way to keep them is in a group (one male + three females) in a species (fronts only) tank.

[tonytheboss1]

don't put frontosa in a tank of Malawi cichlids. the Mbuna are far too rambunctious for the shy and retiring front. moreover, the best way to keep them is in a group (one male + three females) in a species (fronts only) tank.

:cool: Good call on the 'Fronts'. They are shy & easy going like 'liv2padl' said. As far as the filtration goes the '2028' is, by most accounts, an excellent filter. The price is generally the drawback for most hobbyist. (for 2 we're talking $450/500 w/ media )!!! There are other canister or canister/HOB combinations that will give you sufficient turnover (8/10X) & media flexibilty in case your pockets aren't that DEEP! Canisters like Rena XP3, Fluval 404/405 or Cascade 1500. HOB's like AquaClear 110(500) or Emperor 400 just to name a few. Choices & combos are very subjective but you can have good filtration w/out breaking the bank. If money is no object, go top shelf. If the budget is limited, why not shop for some quality brands that will accomplish the same tasks?? :) :)

[davidtcb1]

Thanks for the advice. Perhaps I'll try one Eheim and one of the other canisters. Have heard good things about the 404 and the XP3/5 I believe it is. Own 2 Emperor 400s on my 75g tank and love them, but want to try something a little quieter. Plus, I'm anxious to learn about the canisters and how they operate, etc. This way, I can learn about two differnet brands at once. Yes, I usually order from Aquariumguys.com or Bigals. They are $250 on each of those sites right now. My LFS carries several different Eheims and other canisters, but of course, they mark them up since they don't move a lot of them on a regular basis.

Thanks again.

[tonytheboss1]

:cool: Yep!!! The highway robbery the LFS's get away w/ is because most people don't know any better. The A/C 110 is a very versatile HOB and some of the 'sites' ar discounting the Fluval 404 because of the new model 405. Also check http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/NavResults.cfm?N=2004+22768 & http://www.thatpetplace.com/MainPro/IndexFishFiltration.aspx to compare prices. If it happens to be lower, Big Al will match + 10% !!! Good Luck