The tank has some sand with the gravel but I guess it isn't enough. Should I add more or just ditch gravel altogether. Since I am getting a bigger tank I will need a new filter I heard that the magnum, fluvals, and eheim are the best avail. I have one rock w/ large holes, should I also "build" caves using rocks (piling them up) I know they like caves which is why I have driftwood w/ holes and a small cave (blue one) but I wasnt sure exactly how to assemble. I know they are juvis and will soon outgrow them. The PH last night was 7.4 I bought A product for african cichlids called PH up to 8.2. I will pick it up today to add.
good school for african cichlids
- Thread starter Qdanita
- Start date
Try not to use chemicals if you don't have to, rift salts or crushed coral is the way to go...It'll create the conditions naturally without making what I like to call "chemical soup" also pH buffers usually contain phosphates that can give rise to algae problems...
I've had both gravel and sand, and my mbuna really love the sand more. You'd be amazed how much they will dig under rocks to make hiding places.
Yes, they love caves. If you stack the rocks so they have many caves, it will make them much happier. You will notice they will spend most of their time in there. Just be careful when you stack them. Make sure the rocks won't crush them when they start digging.
Driftwood has a tendancy to lower ph. I would remove that.
Before you start adding buffers, find out what your tap water is. If you are close to what they prefer, I wouldn't worry about adding anything to it. See where you're at first.
Yes, they love caves. If you stack the rocks so they have many caves, it will make them much happier. You will notice they will spend most of their time in there. Just be careful when you stack them. Make sure the rocks won't crush them when they start digging.
Driftwood has a tendancy to lower ph. I would remove that.
Before you start adding buffers, find out what your tap water is. If you are close to what they prefer, I wouldn't worry about adding anything to it. See where you're at first.
DeputyChiefJR said:
This is true. I used to have gravel and they dug like crazy. Pebble by pebble in their mouths and spit it out elsewhere. I noticed when I changed to sand, they seemed to have alot easier time. Now they not only use their mouths to move the sand, they also use their tales to whip the sand where they want it. To me, they just seem happier with sand........not to mention it's soooo much easier for me to clean during weekly water changes.
Just personal preference I guess. But since they have sand in their natural environment in Lake Malawi, I try to duplicate those conditions as much as I can.
Last edited:
Mine haven't started to dig yet. Maybe its too soon! but how do you clean the sand? I know they have gravel vacuums I assume its too big for the sand.
My mbuna dug from day one. If you give them some caves, I think they would start digging.
As far as vacuuming the sand, basically same idea. But you just hold the end about an inch above the sand and it sucks the poo right up.
If you change to sand, I should mention two points. Don't make it too deep. Only an inch or so is necessary. Also, every few water changes, gently run your fingers through the sand to stir it up a little. This will prevent toxic gases from forming. Although the fish do a fine job of stirring up the sand, I just like to make sure.
As far as vacuuming the sand, basically same idea. But you just hold the end about an inch above the sand and it sucks the poo right up.
If you change to sand, I should mention two points. Don't make it too deep. Only an inch or so is necessary. Also, every few water changes, gently run your fingers through the sand to stir it up a little. This will prevent toxic gases from forming. Although the fish do a fine job of stirring up the sand, I just like to make sure.
lol love the pink rock....that tank is so far from being a african tank you should fill that thing up with neons and guppies......
