I have an empty 55 gallon tank that i would like to put cichlids in, but i don't know much about them. I was thinking about african cichlids, are they ok for beginners? I need to know about the water conditions and how to get them to the correct state, all the things i need to test for and what kind of substrate i should use ect. I've read many threads on this site and others, but they didnt exactly answer all my questions. Ideas about suitable tank mates would be appreciated and so would any other information. Thanks alot
Another 55 stocking q
- Thread starter LIBPA
- Start date
RE
Im just beginning to but have read alot of info and maybe able to help you with some questions. First of all most cichlids are ok for beginners, you will need test kits to moniter your tank and the cycling process. First for amonia, then Nitrites followed by, and finally the end of the cycle nitrates, wich is why you have to do regular water changes, 1 50% per week is what I do. Make absolutely sure your tank is cycled before adding fish you want to keep permantly, or add them slowly. your ph should be around 8.2 for most africans and a little softer for south american cichlids. You will have a spike in amonia,followed by nitrites, and finally nitrates. when you have zero nitrites your tank should be cycled. As for tank mates, Im not an expert maybe someone else can help you on that one because there are so many, I made the mistake of buying"assorted africans" and have no idea what they are and wether or not they are compatable. Most people at LPSs dont know more than we do in my experience and are there just to make a sale. If you go to a pet store I wouldn't advise going to a chain store, because they are mostly out to get your money { in US that is} I hope i helped you.
Im just beginning to but have read alot of info and maybe able to help you with some questions. First of all most cichlids are ok for beginners, you will need test kits to moniter your tank and the cycling process. First for amonia, then Nitrites followed by, and finally the end of the cycle nitrates, wich is why you have to do regular water changes, 1 50% per week is what I do. Make absolutely sure your tank is cycled before adding fish you want to keep permantly, or add them slowly. your ph should be around 8.2 for most africans and a little softer for south american cichlids. You will have a spike in amonia,followed by nitrites, and finally nitrates. when you have zero nitrites your tank should be cycled. As for tank mates, Im not an expert maybe someone else can help you on that one because there are so many, I made the mistake of buying"assorted africans" and have no idea what they are and wether or not they are compatable. Most people at LPSs dont know more than we do in my experience and are there just to make a sale. If you go to a pet store I wouldn't advise going to a chain store, because they are mostly out to get your money { in US that is} I hope i helped you.