Hope this makes sense...

[Convict2161]

Forgive me if this is a stupid question. But does a African Cichlid tank need current? By that I mean more then say 1 penguin 350, 1 AC 110 and a 5" air stone which I have currently in my 55g BF. I'm upgrading this weekend to my long awaited 75 gallon, so was just wondering if what I have now will be enough.

Your thoughts?

 

[Nu-Nu the eel]

I dont think so. I bet the current from the filter is enough, but they probably dont need one at all. I have read that sense they live in lakes it is not necessary to have a current in the tank, but some fish like to swim against it for fun.

 

[Convict2161]

I dont think so. I bet the current from the filter is enough, but they probably dont need one at all. I have read that sense they live in lakes it is not necessary to have a current in the tank, but some fish like to swim against it for fun.

Ok... Makes sense. Didn't think of that. They are from a lake and. It much current there. Thanks for your input.

 

[Convict2161]

Yea forsure! Thats exciting that your getting a 75! Wanna convert your 55 to reef??

Would love to!! I'm lucky the wife gave in and I got away with a 75 and really nice stand! I'm start a thread soon to keep everyone updated on progress. Just waiting for some items to arrive and I have to move some furniture around. Should look good in the spot we picked.

 

[Nu-Nu the eel]

I like making caves for my fish, and you could build a whole mountain of caves in that size tank

 

[Convict2161]

I like making caves for my fish, and you could build a whole mountain of caves in that size tank

Yeah looking into doing something like that. I bought the 15 pack of those Cichlid stone caves and have so many rocks and pieces of slate. I also have a ton of driftwood. I think I'm gonna do more rocks and caves with maybe 1 or 2 pieces of my driftwood and some low laying fake plants.

 

[Nu-Nu the eel]

Haha i really like it!! But get real plants they are way easier then people think

 

[Convict2161]

Haha i really like it!! But get real plants they are way easier then people think

Will my Africans tear them up? I'd LOVE to do some small live plants. I'm using gravel though... Reason being I have so much extra. I have like 50lbs plus what's in my 55.

 

[OBEYtheFISH]

Will my Africans tear them up? I'd LOVE to do some small live plants. I'm using gravel though... Reason being I have so much extra. I have like 50lbs plus what's in my 55.

Live plants don't stand a chance against African cichlids
Maybe anubias will have a chance but I think that's about it

 

[Convict2161]

Live plants don't stand a chance against African cichlids
Maybe anubias will have a chance but I think that's about it

Thanks. That's kinda what I thought.

 

[joel618]

There are some others that will work. Google cichlid plants 102.

 

[Convict2161]

There are some others that will work. Google cichlid plants 102.

Interesting, thank you.

 

[Labenator65000]

Yeah looking into doing something like that. I bought the 15 pack of those Cichlid stone caves and have so many rocks and pieces of slate. I also have a ton of driftwood. I think I'm gonna do more rocks and caves with maybe 1 or 2 pieces of my driftwood and some low laying fake plants.

Mind sharing where you got them? I've been looking for something like that myself.

 

[joel618]

Mind sharing where you got them? I've been looking for something like that myself.

Amazon. I got the bulk 10 pack ( they are all large and medium, the small ones are not worth it imo) for $60

 

[Convict2161]

I bought the Cichlid stones 15 pack from Foster and Smith.


http://www.drsfostersmith.com/fish-supplies/pr/c/3578

 

[Convict2161]

There are some others that will work. Google cichlid plants 102.

Can you use real plants with gravel?

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Can you use real plants with gravel?

Yes! just might need to add root tabs

 

[Convict2161]

Yes! just might need to add root tabs

Ok.... Can you educate me?

I'm unaware.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Ok.... Can you educate me?

I'm unaware.

Well gravel is inert (so is sand) and doesn't contain any nutrients (like dirt or Eco-complete or what ever) other than mulm (fish poop) so adding root tabs under plants, especially heavy root feeders like swords, helps them get the nutrients they need to grow.

 

[Convict2161]

Well gravel is inert (so is sand) and doesn't contain any nutrients (like dirt or Eco-complete or what ever) other than mulm (fish poop) so adding root tabs under plants, especially heavy root feeders like swords, helps them get the nutrients they need to grow.

Thank you! And where do I get these?