60 Gallon Cichlid Build Thread

[Brookster123]

I wouldn't use deep earth tones as it would most likely clash with certain fish coloration.. what about neon pink?? That'd be banginnn son!

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[Mogurako]

I wouldn't use deep earth tones as it would most likely clash with certain fish coloration.. what about neon pink?? That'd be banginnn son!

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Take your ball and go back to the corner!

I think earth tones would actually help quite allot. If you watch videos of allot of these CA/SA in the wild they are backed by allot of browns in the river, swamp, lake ect.


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[Mogurako]

Couple examples:


A female exCichlasoma salvini (male behind) guarding her fry at the upper part of the Candelaria River [Mexico] (apr-2012)


Adult Thorichthys meeki in normal coloration Rio Candelaria.


Rocio octofasciata pair in dominant coloration prior to establishment of the breeding territory in Cenote Escondido, Quintana Roo [Mexico]


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[Brookster123]

Fineeee, I'm taking my toys and going home..

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[t57spikes]

Just wanted to say to the OP that I bought the same tank and stand combo, Im running 2 AQ 110, 2 250W heaters, and 2 Powerheads, I used the white petco sand i love the stuff.

 

[jhawk__]

Just wanted to say to the OP that I bought the same tank and stand combo, Im running 2 AQ 110, 2 250W heaters, and 2 Powerheads, I used the white petco sand i love the stuff.

Awesome! Do you have a picture? And isn't 2 250 watt heaters a little over kill? Or is my 1 200 watt not enough? The box said for up to 75 gallons.

The tank is stand is very nice! Im impressed with the quality!

 

[Mogurako]

Isn't 2 250 watt heaters a little over kill? Or is my 1 200 watt not enough? The box said for up to 75 gallons.

Way overkill, one 200 watt heater is over kill in a 60 gallon imo. I had a single 250 heating my old 125g hap tank.


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[mikem691]

Just wanted to say to the OP that I bought the same tank and stand combo, Im running 2 AQ 110, 2 250W heaters, and 2 Powerheads, I used the white petco sand i love the stuff.

If its the same white sand I used in a 10 be careful its super fine and looks great but if a fish zips past it, it floats right off the bottom and destroys filter impellers.

 

[Quest84]

lol me and brookster are having this exact debate in another thread. I completely agree..2 250 watt heaters is way overkill in a 60 gallon tank. I have one eheim jager in my 72 bowfront and it has more than enough power

+1 on painting the back of the tank. My tank is painted black, it makes the fishes color pop better

 

[mikem691]

IMO over kill is a good thing as long as you can afford it.

 

[Quest84]

IMO over kill is a good thing as long as you can afford it.

on filtration yes, heating not a good idea

 

[mikem691]

on filtration yes, heating not a good idea

Can you explain why other than the more frequent off and on wearing out the thermostat. Also size needed is dependent on room temp verses tank temp. also I don't see a problem with 2 heaters so if one quits there is a back up.

 

[Quest84]

yep size is needed depended on room temp. most people keep their heat anywhere from 68-72. If it's a little lower room temp get a slightly larger heater

and there isn't a problem with 2 heaters, theres a problem with 2 heaters that are 250 watts on a 60 gallon tank..that's enough wattage to heat a 250 gallon tank

 

[mikem691]

yep size is needed depended on room temp. most people keep their heat anywhere from 68-72. If it's a little lower room temp get a slightly larger heater

and there isn't a problem with 2 heaters, theres a problem with 2 heaters that are 250 watts on a 60 gallon tank..that's enough wattage to heat a 250 gallon tank

I totally agree that this is more than over kill but can this cause a problem is what I'm asking.

 

[Mogurako]

If I were to run two heaters on a tank ( waste of money IMO) Id run maybe two 25 watt on a 60g.

Also one or two lower watt heaters mean less chance for the fish to get to warm. With Centrals I rather have slightly cool fish than super warm fish.


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[Quest84]

if one should stick on while the other 250 watt heater is working normally than absolutely. If you want to use 2 heaters they should be 2 smaller heaters, so if one sticks on it won't overheat your water. If one 250 sticks on in a 60 gallon your water can overheat regardless.

finnex sells a digital heater controller if you want some extra protection. It has a temp probe that goes down into the water. They are like $20 bucks on ebay

finnex heater controller | eBay

 

[Quest84]

If I were to run two heaters on a tank ( waste of money IMO) Id run maybe two 25 watt on a 60g.

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yep it is a waste of money on the heater, and your electric bill.

 

[mikem691]

If I were to run two heaters on a tank ( waste of money IMO) Id run maybe two 25 watt on a 60g.

Also one or two lower watt heaters mean less chance for the fish to get to warm. With Centrals I rather have slightly cool fish than super warm fish.


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if one should stick on while the other 250 watt heater is working normally than absolutely. If you want to use 2 heaters they should be 2 smaller heaters, so if one sticks on it won't overheat your water. If one 250 sticks on in a 60 gallon your water can overheat regardless.

finnex sells a digital heater controller if you want some extra protection. It has a temp probe that goes down into the water. They are like $20 bucks on ebay

finnex heater controller | eBay

yep it is a waste of money on the heater, and your electric bill.

That makes sense Thanks.

 

[Brookster123]

Ohh.. boy... i wanted to leave.. you guys are basing your opinions on what works for you.. my apt. Was 64° this morning.. my 20l is set to 81° with a 100watttttt heater in it. every time I look at the tank the light on the heater is on.. i really should replace it with a 150.. if your room temp is a constant 70° and your tanks are 76 than sweet. Minimalistic is fine.. you forget we live in a country where some go out in shorts and a tee shirt now and I had ice crystallize on my windows this morning..
Mog.. i have a static 25 on my 5.5 and it perfectly maintains 74° perfect for the cpds.. if I were to run a 60 gal.tank I'd run 2 200 watt heaters, they'd help each other out, a single 200 would run constantly to.maybe keep 76, ich happens.. needs 86... something to always consider.

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[Mogurako]

Ohh.. boy... i wanted to leave.. you guys are basing your opinions on what works for you.. my apt. Was 64° this morning.. my 20l is set to 81° with a 100watttttt heater in it. every time I look at the tank the light on the heater is on.. i really should replace it with a 150.. if your room temp is a constant 70° and your tanks are 76 than sweet. Minimalistic is fine.. you forget we live in a country where some go out in shorts and a tee shirt now and I had ice crystallize on my windows this morning..
Mog.. i have a static 25 on my 5.5 and it perfectly maintains 74° perfect for the cpds.. if I were to run a 60 gal.tank I'd run 2 200 watt heaters, they'd help each other out, a single 200 would run constantly to.maybe keep 76, ich happens.. needs 86... something to always consider.

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This is exactly why I keep Centrals! 76-78 is perfect for darn near all the cichlids and livebearers I keep. I can even go down to 70 with no ill effects.

I have a hard believing that such extremes is needed to heat these tanks. My apartment is 60-63 right now because I'm cheap and use all my electricity to heat my fish room. However I have a 10 gallon outside of the fish room, near a window with a 10 watt heater and I maintain 78 easily.

FWIW Mubuna are fine at 78-82 deg.


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