Convert to a cichlid tank

[mfdrookie516]

well it'll actually work to your advantage for a few weeks... if you notice any sickness, it'll be alot easier to treat 20g, and cheaper

 

[th08tu]

Good point. Another question I just came up with and I have seen debated before is the use of a surface skimmer. Don't get this confused with a protein skimmer as I know it wouldn't do very much good in a freshwater aquarium, but would a surface skimmer be benefitcal? I picked up the aquaclear surface skimmer that hooks up to a HOB filter for like $15 bucks so I am gonna give it a try I figure it won't do any harm, but it might be a bit of an eyesore, maybe eventually I will DIY it up to make a fuge/sump. Anyways what do you guys think about using a surface skimmer on a cichlid tank?

 

[mfdrookie516]

not a bit of need for one imo. Surface agitation does the exact same thing. I have a spray bar on my fluval 405 and i keep the outlet from my 305 up above the water, i have no issues what so ever with film on top of the water.

 

[th08tu]

So are you saying then that I would only need it if I didn't have enough surface agitation, or I had a surface scum buildup on the top of the tank? I think I am going to still hook it up though because in one of my past DIY projects I cut of the bottom of the HOB filter intake tube, so right now it is just a tube with not strainer on it. Inorder to stop it from sucking up things such as fry, I will put the skimmer on. Can't hurt right?! Anyways I will post picks soon, once the water clears up. I think I might put some crypts into the tank too, as I think right now it is a little lacking, do you think they will grow in water above 8 ph?

 

[mfdrookie516]

they wont grow in a tank with most cichlids lol... they'll be eaten

 

[th08tu]

oh yeah, forgot about that part. Any ideas for things to make the tank look better? Maybe I will put some more rock in the foreground, and just keep it low...

 

[mfdrookie516]

lots of rock, thats pretty much the best youre going to do... but some people can pull off only rock and have it look awesome, im just having a little trouble in that area lol...

 

[th08tu]

alright lol I will do my best. Post some picks of your tank maybe and we can brainstorm? I will do the same once I get it close to something I like...

 

[jackdaniel]

Anyone got more pics of rock-only cichlid tanks? I have similar rocks in mine called Kewanee Round River Rocks. I added lots of Malaysian Driftwood since it looked too bare.