Lighting and Stocking

[buballo]

Hi guys,
Went to the LFS today. They showed me this new T5 light and was wondering if anyone had suggestions. This light had twin globes, 1 blue and 1 white and the affect was brilliant in the cichlid tank they had on display. Much better then a standard single. BTW the light with globes was aroung $270 AU.

So here are my questions:

1. I have a 55G 4 foot tank 20 inch high. What would the light you suggest I use for the best display. I dont intent on using live plants although in the future it may be an option.
2. My secong questin is one of stocking and this has two parts:

the first part is if I go for a cichlid tanks, how many and what other type of fish can I stock as I have heard they are aggressive. The second part is if I dont go with a fully blown cichlid tank can a have a couple with all other types of fish.

Thanks for your help....AGAIN!!!

PS i have just built my own cabinet and filled the tank. Looks great, should post pics soon.

Regards,
buballo

 

[Rbishop]

You may have to narrow it down a bit. There are quite a numerous amount of ciclids. South American, Central American, New World, African (and which of the lakes in particular) ?

 

[Mgamer20o0]

not sure what that turns into usa $ but sounds over priced. t5 are nice but not needed. check out a local hardware store and pick up double t8 shop lights. i used philips daylight deluxe bulbs but what you can get i dont know.

 

[buballo]

Its taken me a while to respond as I have been busy cyclin the tank. I want to go the lake malawi cichlids. Specifics of this breed I am still learning. Any suggestions on stocking and type would help. I have a 48 x 13 x 20 high tanks. eheim 2213 with hydor inline heater if that helps.

 

[BrkD]

t-5s are great imo but its not needed in malawian set ups. i always find a lake malawian cichlid tank with nice rockwork very impressive. im not too sure on what species to stock but i think any species of malawian cichlids can go in the same tank alot without problems.

 

[jm1212]

that sounds a little steep. there are probably plenty of other choices that are lower in cost, and will do just as good. central or south american cichlids are good candidates for a "community tank," with angels, severum, festivum, and rams being a few good choices.