Cichlid-scape, rock kribs (updated photos)

[Sicklid]

Aha... I figured as much. I am perfectly content to keep this a species tank. I wonder about dithers?

[Gillie]

I used to use Congo Tetras.

[Sicklid]

Update, I put in nine juvenile Astatotilapia Latifasciata from Dave in Texas. A little skinny, but they all seem to be doing great... the "biggest" little male colored up almost instantly, and a second one is staking his own little territory. I was worried that since I already had a dominant male "something" in the tank none of the new fish would display well, but after about a half an hour of checking each other out the rock kribs and the zebras went their own ways...

I also added some driftwood I had and some plants: Java Fern, Jungle Val, and Java Moss tied to flat rocks. Here is a photo before I added the new fish:

[Gillie]

Nice, it's simple and looks great. I don't really like tanks that look like too much time and thought was put into decor placement (whether it happened that way or not) I think it takes away the natural look.

[Marconis]

Dude, awesome tank. What is that background? My cichlid tank would probably look as nice as yours if it wasn't for annoying brown algae

[chase33]

I see it's coming along nicely. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[Sicklid]

Thanks guys!

Aww, c'mon Gillie, does this mean I can't put in those "Pirates of the Carribean" decorations I got from the Dr's Foster & Smith catalogue?

Marconis, I have only just cycled this tank, so diatom blooms are on the way I am sure

I put in Malaysian Trumpet snails, they seem to do a good job at eating the brown stuff in my other planted tank. The background is a paint called One-Shot, it is used primarily for the sign industry. It is really opaque and meant to cover in "one shot" or one coat, super durable. But it is expensive and it contains lead like the old school paints, and it is some stinky stuff... if anyone uses it be careful not to get it in your tank. This is the first tank I have done with a blue background, I always had black before. It is actually a custom mix of a carribean blue, pearl white, and titanium white. Glad you like it! They sell it at Pearl arts and crafts, there is one on Long Island if I remember correctly. I am in the sign business so I had it already.

I think I am pretty much done with the scape, I don't want to detract too much from the fish in this one.

[Gillie]

I'll make an exception for Mr. Jack Sparrow .

[Marconis]

Thanks for the info on the paint, I'll be sure to check it out.