Stocking Options and Filtration also

You cannot use an undergravel filter with sand. I'm sure someone will have more specific recommendations, but I'd say in general go with multiple HOB or canister filters or a combo (I don't know anything about filtering a cichlid tank, other than that I wouldn't use and UGF) and go ahead and use sand. Just make sure that the impellers are protected from the sand by sponge prefilters or something. Sand+impeller is a bad combo.

In addition, if you use sand, make sure you only use a thin layer. If you're not aware of compacting issues do some research on it.

I can't offer any help on which combo of fish to choose.

as bishop states, you 'can' use UG filtration with many cichlid species that are not 'diggers'. it's not my preferred method ... i use Eheim cannisters and Aquaclear HOB's on all my tanks 75 gallons and larger and AC alone on smaller tanks. moreover, i find that unless you use reverse filtration on an UGF, the junk which builds up under the plenum will ultimately require you to tear down the tank to clean it out. avoid the heartache and just go with an HOB or cannister.

as to a severum in an African cichlid tank ... don't do it. Africans are highly aggressive and active while severums are much less active and certainly will have difficulty in such a busy tank. in my opinion, it's best to keep Africans as a species tank ... you can mix species providing they are significantly different in color, but avoid Central and certainly South American species.

PPOHolbrook said:

Hi all i am a newbie who is researching away. I am looking at several options and am plnning on a possible 75 gallon tank. Can you put a Green Terror in same tank as a Severum? How bout Severum in a Malawi tank??

ALso been reading about filtration. One site has recommeneded a undergravel filtration as well as HOB. BUT... I read somewhere that this is not good for cichilds. Is that true. Also I want to use sand, can u use a undergravel with sand??

Lots of questions I know but I dont wanna begin this half assed. I really want to get into this the right way and for life.

Brian

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yes green terror and severum can be together in 75gallon tank...to make it simple for you...sand is pain in the *** for any filter you using..its gets cloaked up all the time and poops shows...

from what i have read, GTs can get a little pushy with other fish, so if you put a sev in there he might get harassed a bit, but he should be able to kee up with the GT after a while.

as for sevs with african cichlids, that isnt a good idea

PPOHolbrook said:

Thanks so much for the help all. The reason I asked about sand was that everything i read says that cichlids like sand, but is it okay to go with a very small gravel instead of sand?? Can I mix it up?? Just wondering about keeping the tank clean!!!!!!!!!

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Cichlids DO like sand, and if you take care with preparing it, it is not a problem for cannister or HOB filters. Yes, detritus shows on the top of the sand, but by the same token, you can easily vac it up. I prefer that to having it remain in the tank, unseen, under the gravel! I think a sand substrate is easier to maintain and keep clean. Feel free to PM me if you want specifics. Mixing gravel and sand negates the value of the sand (makes it more open to stuff sinking in).

PPOHolbrook said:

NYCsicktank??
If i put a GT and Severum together what other cichlids or other fish could i stock it with??

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Firstly, it's probably better if the sev is a little bigger than the gt. The gt tends to get aggressive later, and if it has been acclimated to being number two in the tank that may reduce its eventual aggression. In my limited experience, sevs are fairly large, and "pushy" without really being nasty, so they can serve as policemen (basically a cop is someone you wouldn't want to mess around with, but someone who -generally- isn't going to knock you on your butt for no reason). Now, what else... With a 75g you could probably add one more, not too large fish like a dempsey, a nic, a salvini, maybe a firemouth; anything reasonably tough, but not something that is likely to become a killer. Oh, and it IS possible that the gt will, itself, be a killer; luck of the draw, as always.

everyone's fish is different here, my 8" green severum always chased my 5" green terror. it never got harm though...only problem i had was feeling bad for him :help: