My new and improved tank-more suggestions please! Pictures attached

[ClaudioAbbado]

Hey all, here is a picture of my new and improved tank. Thanks for those suggestions. I added alot more cover/hiding spots for my 6 african cichlid, 1 parrot-convict cichlid, and 3 giant danios. Now my main question is:

1) Are my 4 major java fern placed in the right spot? I have 2 that is close to that oxygen pump in the corner, so will oxygen inhibit its growth?

2) Is the oxygen pump effective at all? Its in the corner, so I don't know about its effiency in oxygenating the tank. Thanks!

More suggestions please!

 

[Virtuoso2K12]

won't your chilcids out grow that tank?6?

 

[ClaudioAbbado]

won't your chilcids out grow that tank?6?

Well I think my parrot-convict cichlid has reached its max. size, and he goes into that coconut hut very nicely. The 6 african cichlids are still tiny, about 1/2 inch. It will take them years and years to outgrow this tank, by then I would have saved enough money for a 200 gallon! The giant danios are a problem, and I will probably give them away once they become big.

My main concern right now are the plants, I want them to grow well, so I can have a heavily planted tank.

 

[Hooked Newbie]

Oxygen pump?

 

[DrNo]

I agree... seems like a lot of bioload for that tank. Looks great though! Congrats on your new setup.

Is your intent to have a low-tech planted tank (that is, low light and no CO2 injection)? If so, you might want to remove the airstone as it will actually allow off-gasing of the CO2 in the water needed by the ferns. The same is true of certain filters like biowheels that disturb the surface of the water.

 

[muddskipper26]

i agree, if you want to plant this tank, you should remove the airstone. Also, i can't tell from the pic, but the java fern should not be planted in the gravel. It should be attached to a rock or driftwood. looks nice

 

[Lupin]

Well I think my parrot-convict cichlid has reached its max. size, and he goes into that coconut hut very nicely. The 6 african cichlids are still tiny, about 1/2 inch. It will take them years and years to outgrow this tank, by then I would have saved enough money for a 200 gallon! The giant danios are a problem, and I will probably give them away once they become big.

My main concern right now are the plants, I want them to grow well, so I can have a heavily planted tank.

African cichlids will take less than a year to grow depending on how you take care of them. How are giant danios a problem? It's the African cichlids that are actually the problem. Once they reach adult stage, they will harass your giant danios and your parrot.

i agree, if you want to plant this tank, you should remove the airstone. Also, i can't tell from the pic, but the java fern should not be planted in the gravel. It should be attached to a rock or driftwood. looks nice

Agreed.

 

[Lupin]

2) Is the oxygen pump effective at all? Its in the corner, so I don't know about its effiency in oxygenating the tank.

The point of the airpumps is to create vigorous surface agitation that increases oxygen level. Your African cichlids came from Lake Malawi therefore they require plenty of oxygen otherwise they will gasp for oxygen from time to time.

Plants and African cichlids do not mix so you must rethink the fish and plants you plan to keep.

 

[Hooked Newbie]

Java Fern works fine in gravel though it can be attached to things. Anubias are the ones that will definitely die off if the rhizome is covered.

 

[Hooked Newbie]

The point of the airpumps is to create vigorous surface agitation that increases oxygen level. Your African cichlids came from Lake Malawi therefore they require plenty of oxygen otherwise they will gasp for oxygen from time to time.

Plants and African cichlids do not mix so you must rethink the fish and plants you plan to keep.

Coler needs to post pics. Java fern and Africans can co-exist.