GouramiGirl
01-16-2012, 08:29 PM
You guys helped me a few years ago resurrect my 55 gallon planted aquarium. The plants are absolutely thriving and thanks to Len and Marcie and I have unique, beautiful, healthy fish! A few months ago I was given a 65 gallon set up. My preliminary research has led me to giving African cichlids a whirl. I have invested in eco-complete as the substrate and a fluval c-4 filter. I have about 30 lbs of river rock for caves, but the tank is fairly high. Regular florescent lighting.
Question #1: Any suggestions how I can build decor higher in the tank? Building it entirely out of rock makes me pretty nervous. Can I use driftwood? I have some Anubias from my planted tank that is going out of control and thought I could tie some to a big piece of driftwood but didn't know how that would affect the water.
Question #2: Some information I have read said that I need to add all the cichlids in the tank at the same time so there isn't so much fighting for territory. What should I stick in the tank now to get the bacteria going?
Question #3: Can anyone suggest a variety of hardy cichlid species that would do well in this set up? My understanding is that the cichlids are mostly bottom dwellers. Is there anything I could add that would hang out more to the middle and top of the aquarium?
Thanks so much!
Question #1: Any suggestions how I can build decor higher in the tank? Building it entirely out of rock makes me pretty nervous. Can I use driftwood? I have some Anubias from my planted tank that is going out of control and thought I could tie some to a big piece of driftwood but didn't know how that would affect the water.
Question #2: Some information I have read said that I need to add all the cichlids in the tank at the same time so there isn't so much fighting for territory. What should I stick in the tank now to get the bacteria going?
Question #3: Can anyone suggest a variety of hardy cichlid species that would do well in this set up? My understanding is that the cichlids are mostly bottom dwellers. Is there anything I could add that would hang out more to the middle and top of the aquarium?
Thanks so much!