Newbie needs help with set-up

[ConvictKid]

You can purchase most things you need from these great places:

pet solutions
that pet place/that fish place

They have lots of things that you will need for cheaper than retail prices. You can order online from them and/or you can get a free catolog(sp) by mail each month. The only thing I buy at the stores are fish everything else I order it from them.

 

[NJ Devils Fan]

Gill, it can take shorter or longer to cycle a tank then 30 days.

 

[Cichlid Woman]

I agree, learn about cycling first. There's a thread at the top of this forum that will help, plus lots and lots of info on the internet. Just search "aquarium cycling." But that doesn't mean you can't have fish in your tank right away. Cycling can be done two ways: with fish or fishless. Read about both, then make your choice.

The variety of cichlids is huge. Some stay small and aren't as aggressive as their big cousins. Some of the larger ones are eating machines, and you have to be very careful about who you select as tankmates. Again, lots of information is on the net about types of cichlids. You also get the fun of deciding whether you'll go for a planted tank or not. Real aquatic plants in your aquarium create a look that can't be duplicated with plastic. And it opens up a whole additional aspect of the hobby, too. Oh, I envy you. To be starting out with all this stuff in the candystore window to check out and explore. Cool!

Enjoy--and stay in touch!

-- Pat

 

[carpguy]

There are two main branches of cichlids that each like different water conditions: Rift Lake (African) and Amazonian. The Rift Lake Cichlids like hard water with high pHs, the Amazonian Cichlids prefer softer more acidic water. Both groups have plenty of small and beautiful members. There are also other cichlids, from Central America for instance, that are more in the middle.

Start with a test kit and check out your local water. Its stuff you're going to need anyway and it will help with planning. Water can be adjusted if you want and fish can adapt to a certain extent, but I try to work with what I've got.

Here is a good link on cycling and other basic essentials, and another on fishless cycling. As was mentioned before, cycling takes about a month, although fishless can be shorter and fishy can be longer. People have different results with both. I went with fishless and it took 1 month.

Post back with your parameters and we'd be glad to help you pick some fish!