calling all cichlid experts...

Thanks soo much for all the input folks. I'm really looking forward to getting this tank completely up and running. This weekend I'm making my DIY pvc caves. Should be an interesting project. I wont mess with my ph. The hardness reading was taken after the tank had been set up and filled for about 48 hours.
I did some research and I plan on adding about 30 mbuna in slots of 10 at a time.
Are there any snails/botton feeders that can live peacefully with these guys?
also will the peat layer under the sand be ok for these guys if they start digging?

thanks again!
 
an alternative to PVC caves that lie down are using larger PVC pips cut in half or whole, towards the back of the tank to make "towers." They don't impact the footprint of your tank as much and provide lots and lots of hiding places. Here is an example - sorry for the pic quality (or lack thereof) I was in a fishless cycle - hense the pantyhose full of cocktail shrimp in the middle, and the water was still very cloudy from the crushed coral:

Its also a GREAT way to hide filters, heaters, and other stuff

IM000491.JPG.w560h420.jpg
 
That's a good idea. I planned on doing something very similar. I'll post some pics tomorrow or Sunday on my build thread of the finished design.

lol at the panty hose. I have the same thing going on in my tank atm. I'm a little disappointed though. I got some preseeded bioballs from the local fish store and after a week i'm not seeing near the progress I had expected. Cycling is such a bummer isnt it? lol It doesnt surprise me that alot of folks skip it. anyways thanks again for the response!
 
i think it was blue grass aquatics. it might have been a different one though
 
All I can add since so far everyone has said pretty much what I would is.....in the community tank I would advice trying to keep the m/fm ratio to like 1m/3fm, to help with the aggression. Unless of course you are going with an all male tank?

Plants, well I have Giant Vals in with mine and they pretty much leave them alone. From what I have read and been told just make sure the plants have pretty thick leaves ;)

Good luck and I look forward to watching your progress!!!
 
why are you placing a layer of peat at the bottom ? i wouldnt in the end it will soften the water and will cause issues with PH and hardness..
 
Pittbull said:
why are you placing a layer of peat at the bottom ? i wouldnt in the end it will soften the water and will cause issues with PH and hardness..
Click to expand...

:iagree:!
 
Well initially I was planning on a rainbow community tank heavily planted, but after a recent visit to the LFS my wife was floored by the color and uniqueness of the cichlids and I was forced to change the tank layout.
 
I dont care how easy it is.... 3 25% water changes a week is completely unnecessary and even borderline harmful.... 2 a week MAX

and I would recomend 1
 
You know that thread about people doing things different ways? Read it. People do 100% water changes a couple times a weeks for discus. My water from the well is very healthy. I had it tested at my works lab. No heavy metals or other pollutants. The parameters are **** near perfect for cichlids. A few extra water changes will not be harmful. All the activity for the water Changes happen in the sump. The tank is barely disturbed. I apprieate the concern though.
 
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