Reef to Cichlid Tank

[40galreef]

I have a 40 gallon saltwater aquarium that has encountered too many problems for me to justify being able to solve. After losing corals, fish, and a huge algae problem, I have decided to go back to familiar territories; freshwater.

One of my questions is: Can I use my wet dry filter on a Cichlid tank?

Second: I have a wave point, 96 watt fixture, it has 2 white and 2 blue bulbs. Will this work for a Cichlid? Note-the tank is deep

Last for now: Can I use slate rock I have leftover from a project in my backyard?

As a side note: what kind of decor do you guys recommend for a tank like this with a sand bottom?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Andrew McFadden]

You can use it all imo I did
What type of Cichlids are we talking about here

 

[40galreef]

You can use it all imo I did
What type of Cichlids are we talking about here

Thanks!

 

[BlaseMrNiceguy]

Depending on your stock list I would suggest some live plants like cryps and Anubias easy to take care low light requirements adds a nice splash of natural color. Here's a pic of my 55 gallon African cichlid tank. I have amazon swords , Anubias and I used slate rocks and have a crushed coral substrate.

 

[40galreef]

Great looking tank! You don't think 96 watts is too much for a low light freshwater plant? Also, what fish can I put in with cichlids?

 

[40galreef]

Depending on your stock list I would suggest some live plants like cryps and Anubias easy to take care low light requirements adds a nice splash of natural color. Here's a pic of my 55 gallon African cichlid tank. I have amazon swords , Anubias and I used slate rocks and have a crushed coral substrate.

Great looking tank! You don't think 96 watts is too much for a low light freshwater plant? Also, what fish can I put in with cichlids?

 

[BlaseMrNiceguy]

With 96 watts your probably good for moderate lighting in the tank so it shouldn't be too much light.

 

[40galreef]

This is what I have so far, looks kinda bland. Will this get better with plants and fish?

 

[imtcurveball]

That will get better. makes sure to have the right height of plants since the tank is tall