im setting up my 55 gallon tank again i had two oscars in it and now im ready to start my tank up again and i went to the pet store today and fell in love with the peacocks their colors are so amazing........ so i was wondering what do i need for my tank. do you prefer sand, gravel, or crushed coral... and what color brings out their colors more.... what kind of decorations should i have in there plz help thank you
what do i need for my 55 gallon for peacock cichlids
- Thread starter nainarae89
- Start date
#4 Aragonite will make a good substrate for your Peacocks. It will buffer the pH of your water and it is large enough not to keep getting sucked up by the intake tubes of your filters. Peacocks are sand sifters and will constantly spit finer sand, a portion of which will go up into your filter intakes and potentially ruin your filter impellers.
Rock work is a must. The specific type doesn't matter, it's more of a personal preference. Limestone based rocks will also help buffer the water.
Aragonite or crushed coral are great for them as substrate and both are very good pH buffers for a cichlid tank. If you use a dark substrate, use light colored rocks or if light colored substrate, then dark rocks for a nice contrast. Choose the combination you prefer or like the most. Welcome to AC!
thank u everyone where should i go to get big rocks i live in philly so should i go to like home debot or try to find a lake ???
Usually a nursery or landscape business would be able to help you on rock needs but i agree with the round darker rocks with the crushed coral would look sweet..
Another rock that is cool and will aid in buffer capabilities is the Texas Holey Rock that can be purchased at most pet shops but usually fetches a higher price.. and the good thing about this rock is that it has holes threw-out the rock and African cichlids love to swim threw them..
Another rock that is cool and will aid in buffer capabilities is the Texas Holey Rock that can be purchased at most pet shops but usually fetches a higher price.. and the good thing about this rock is that it has holes threw-out the rock and African cichlids love to swim threw them..
Stone or gravel companies are a great source for rocks & boulders. If you find a good one, you will have bin after bin of choices. You bring around a cart and they will weigh your rocks for you and charge you by the pound for the various rocks you picked out. This is a great place to find monster boulders. Good luck, Russ
If you live anywhere near the Chicagoland area, I can give you info on an awesome place.
I have pool filter sand in mine, when the day comes to put a new "floor" in there, I want to try to use that new "cichlid sand" a light and dark mix , rockwork, rockwork, and just for good measure some more rockwork 
I also have some driftwood and LOTS of artificial plants.
I think a med to dark substrate will bring out the colors of the fish the best. jmo though
I also have some driftwood and LOTS of artificial plants.I think a med to dark substrate will bring out the colors of the fish the best. jmo though