Gravel pumps?

[convict kid 24]

are gravel pumps necessary for a tank with american cichlids?

 

[miles]

Sorry if I'm missing something, but what exactly do you mean by gravel pump?

Are you talking about an under gravel filter, or a gravel vacuum that's used to clean during a water change?

 

[convict kid 24]

either one i guess

 

[miles]

Okay, well a gravel vacuum is necessary no matter what kind of fish you have. It's a simple siphon device used to clean the bottom of the tank during a partial water change with one end much wider than the other to reduce the suction and keep from sucking up too much sand or gravel.

Under gravel filters are a more or less obsolete form of aquarium filtration that uses suction under the gravel to pull fish waste and debris into the gravel where it will be broken down by the biological filter. There are many other kinds of filters, some cheaper than others, and most are more efficient and easier to maintain than an under gravel.

This depends, of course, on how big your tank is. (how big is your tank, by the way? have you read about cycling?) I'd start by looking into a hang-on-back filter (aka power filter). They're about the simplest to start with and pretty inexpensive, but like I said there are a few different types so I'd need a little more information before I tell you which would be best for your tank.

Here is a pretty comprehensive filter guide.

 

[convict kid 24]

i have a 30 gallon tank with a biowheel 200 filter

 

[miles]

You should be perfectly fine in that case if you keep up with your water changes. Under gravel filters might be about the cheapest, but they're inefficient and a real pain to clean. They're more trouble than they're worth in most cases. If you want extra filtration or a backup, go for another power filter or a canister filter.

 

[convict kid 24]

so no need for the gravel vaccum for now?
and what gph should the other power filter be?

 

[KonvictKeeper]

Depending on the type of cichlids you have, you should probably have about 300 GPH in total.

 

[convict kid 24]

i have 1 salvii and 2 convicts so about 300 gph total still

 

[convict kid 24]

*salvini*

 

[KonvictKeeper]

Yep, sounds good to me.

 

[miles]

so no need for the gravel vaccum for now?

Yes, you do need a gravel vacuum so you can clean the bottom of your tank. What have you been doing water changes with?

 

[KonvictKeeper]

Gravel vacs are 100% crucial to success.

 

[convict kid 24]

i have been using a rubber syphon and been doing 10% wcs every other day

 

[convict kid 24]

thanks guys!