Newbie questions

[crane007]

I am looking at switching over my tank to Chiclids, My current tank is a 110 gallon (4' x 18" x 30") (LxWxH).

I am a bit concerned about the rock work that I need to do because of the height of the tank. I plan to re-use the lava rock that is currently in the tank (and add more rock). I will use crushed coral as a base.

A few questions:
- Is there somewhere that sells Lava rock (big pieces) for cheap (Big Al's is too expensive)
- How much rock do I need ? How high in the tank ?
- I currently have an Eheim 2028 filter, is this enough ?

Thanks
Neil

[Brent Shaver]

I also have a 110 cichlid tank, as for rock I have about 100 lbs maybe a bit more and I am only at max half the back wall.

The amount of rock depends greatly on how many cichlids you are planning on having.  This being said, it is best to have a cave/hiding spot for each as they can get territorial depending on the kind you keep.  When you put the rock in make sure it is secure as they love to move around the substrate which could cause an avalanche and possibly trap a fish.

I find that all my fish enjoy the open area at the top of the tank so they can swim freely, but if spooked have the comfort of being able to disappear/hide.

As far as filtration it again depends on quanity of fish, I personally run 2 Ehiem P2's.

For rock, you can get some ideas by looking through the galleries members have posted, you will find different ideas for rock work and types.  Personally if I was to set up another one I wouldnt go with the lava rock and would go to the local nursery and get normal garden rock, there is many types availble with multiple sizes.

When you are ready to stock your tank make sure you read up on which are compatible so you dont make the mistake I did, orginally I got into cichlids because I loved the colors of the Demonsi.  I had to find him a new home because he bullied every other fish I had and litterly owned over half the tank.

Hope this helps and there is many here with alot of experience in cichlids that can help as well.

Good luck with the tank.
Brent

[crane007]

Thanks for all the info.

I actually like the look of the Lava rock, is there anywhere in Ottawa that sells lava rock for cheaper than Big Al's ?

[gemmate]

You can look at my setup progress and it will give you some ideas. By the way I am planning to shut the tank down and might sell you some Lava rocks.

[attachment deleted by admin]

[asmackay]

This is my 220G African, I have rock almost half way up.  The tank is 30" deep as well.  I have very large flagstone that sits across the back of the tank resting on egg crate on the bottom.  I can stack rocks against it without worring about the glass getting hit if rocks slip, which has never happened.

[crane007]

Very nice, I really like the flagstone idea. I might have to copy you on that one.

[markw]

Thanks for all the info.

I actually like the look of the Lava rock, is there anywhere in Ottawa that sells lava rock for cheaper than Big Al's ?

Just be careful using lava rock with mbuna cichlids. The rough edges on the lava rock can injure their skin as they swim through the crevices and they can develop some pretty significant infections in the sores. I've got lots of the stuff left over that I've removed from all my tanks for that reason.

[Cbellehumeur]

Just be careful using lava rock with mbuna cichlids. The rough edges on the lava rock can injure their skin as they swim through the crevices and they can develop some pretty significant infections in the sores. I've got lots of the stuff left over that I've removed from all my tanks for that reason.

I agree! Some cichlids get fairly large and you don't want then trying to sqeeze into the holes that the lava rock have. I went with slate myself....i have lots of slate for cheap if you need some.

If you still want lava rock the best thing to do is look in our classified section you can get it cheap there sometimes. As for other stores that sell it cheaper? not sure i think there all about the same

[crane007]

Thanks for all the input/suggestions. I think I will abandon using Lava rock and go with limestone (I just happen to have a bunch of it). Maybe a bit of slate too.

[mseguin]

What kind of Africans are you planning on keeping?

[crane007]

What kind of Africans are you planning on keeping?

Not quite sure yet. I want more vibrant colors so something like:

Pseudotropheus socolofi
Labidochromis caeruleus (Lion's Cove I)

[Brent Shaver]

Another couple ideas that give the tank a nice color would be

Yellow Labs
Red Zebra
Redfin Zebra
Blue Acei  (my favorite next to Demonsi)
Black Acei

As for the Pseudotropheus socolofi they are beautiful as I have a couple, but I find mine can and will chase the others around the tank alot.  They do like there own area and tend to protect, although arent highly aggressive as a rule.

[Cbellehumeur]

My personal favorites are c44's