My 55 gallon tank

[Gus]

A couple of pictures showing my newly established 55 gallon tank. What do you guys think? I know I need to add a background.

 

[mattrox]

A dark background would really set it off. A dark blue or black would look good. The cobbles look great, the trick is to try and make it so the piles of rocks are not exactly uniform. I know they are hard to stack and it takes time to get it natural looking. I like the look of cobbles in a tank.

http://www.google.com.au/images?q=malawi%20mbuna%20cobbles&rls=com.microsoft:en-au:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7ADFA_en&redir_esc=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1345&bih=593
May be this will gove you some ideas.

 

[HN1]

Very nice start. Good work!

 

[mfdrookie516]

I really like the rocks. I'm sure they'll be a pain to clean under, but they look fantastic

 

[Gus]

Thanks

 

[mattrox]

If you can get a flow maker, you can create a current around and through the rocks with careful placement and the current will help keep detritus from ccumulating too much.

 

[Gus]

Flow maker? Never heard of it, but I'll look it up, thanks!

 

[mattrox]

Wave Maker

Something like this. But you will need to find the american 110v version

 

[Gus]

Cool, thanks. I have a powerhead, can I use that instead?

 

[mattrox]

Yep. Just place it where it won't blow the gravel around but the flow is directed amongst the rockwork. The fish love the flow.

 

[Gus]

Hi, I did install the powerhead facing down the rocks, and a lot of their poop flew around! Also, you are right, they love the flow! They face the powerhead and stay there for a while! A total treat to watch!

 

[mattrox]

Your filter will take out any floating bits and while you may see floating particles at times you can polish the water by using filter floss in the the HOBs.

 

[Gus]

Thanks for the idea, I had no clue what 'filter floss' was