New Tanganyika rockwork

[DrNo]

I posted this update in "Gallery" tank thread, but I'm posting here as well as I'd appreciate specific feedback from the "cichlid experts"...

The rocks are placed. Filing down the chunks of peppered obsidian took longer than expected, but my wife and I extremely happy with the results. These pictures really don't do the tank justice, as they fail to show the subtle color variations in the rock itself (reds and browns). The airstone adds an interesting effect ,and hints at the volcanic/geothermal nature of the lake. We're still waiting for the house's window coverings, so pardon the glare/reflection in the shots:









The polypterus is far happier with this new territory to explore and navigate around. I measured some of the water chemistry for the Tanganyika tank this morning; values as follows:

pH: 8.2 (stable)
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: 5 ppm
KH: 9 degrees

To start with, I ordered three "Gold Head" compressicieps cichlids for this Tanganyika tank this morning from LiveAquaria. They're listed as needing a KH of 12-20, so I'll probably be adding a little baking soda this evening to raise the KH. Total stock for the tank will probably be complete with the addition of ~3 additional cichlids (maybe "Lemon" leluepi). I may add a few additional chunks of obsidian depending on their behavior once they are added to the tank along with snail shells for the sandy floor to tank right.

Thanks in advance for suggestions/comments!

 

[noodles62]

looks beautiful!! very nice job!

 

[DrNo]

Thanks noodles!

 

[nguyendetecting]

great looking rocks, they sound like hey take alot of work but maybe you could add a few more rocks to the pile and maybe a few more plants. Nice looking setup though

 

[chefjamesscott]

that looks sweeet especially the one with the fish at the top

 

[jpappy789]

Kh is far less important than Gh IMO. As long as your water is moderately hard any tang should be fine. If you plan on adding any additional Lamprologines I would definitely add more rock work, the more the better. I'm a little concerned about the mixing with the birchir...is this long term? I only ask because something like lemons could be an easy snack as they only reach 4-5" and stay torpedo shaped. The comps would be fine as they are a little longer and their different shape should help. This is all hypothetical because I have never seen the mix before...

 

[AfroCichlid]

I would add more rock, and try to create as many caves as possible. You won't need tons since it sounds like you're not going to stock it very heavily, but Comps like to have their own space, as most Tangs do. If they're small, you're probably okay, but adults may need additional rockwork/ large shells. Giant Valisneria would look sweet on the sides.

 

[Pittbull]

get rid of the biker and this would be an awesome shellie tank..

 

[DrNo]

Thanks for the additional info. guys... this is my first Cichlid tank so I appreciate all the suggestions.

jpappy, the tank is stable at pH of 8.2 and a KH ~9. I have been dosing epsom salt alone (with water changes) to increase GH up to its current level of 12 degrees. We have a soft water system for the house; without softeneing, the water comes out as liquid granite... dH = 26 (no fooling). I'm looking into adding coral to the filter though.

I think the bichir will be OK given the temperamant of the Gold heads. I will reconsider the Lemons based on size consideration; I'm not in a hurry to add regardless, as I would like the Gold Heads to settle/cycle for quite a while first. I'll keep you updated.

Afro: as they mature and based on the stock, I wil indeed find ways to add additional rockwork etc.

Thanks again for the feedback all.

 

[DrNo]

Thanks Pittbull. Yea, I agree. The bichir has been with my wife for the last 8 years, and I have inherited its care. It is as much a part of the family as a fish can be, so I doubt its going anywhere. I'm just grateful its so adaptable to a wide variety of conditions. Even though the senegalus species isn't technically found in Lake Tang, the ornate is, so we're bending the biotope just a little bit to accomodate this old dinosaur.