After my first attempt of setting up my very first tank I wasnt too happy with the layout. I think I jumped the gun a little and pieced together a tank too quickly and choose a fish I wasnt fully happy with (barbs and sharks). The tank seemed too crowded with decor. After much thought I decided I wanted to change the fish I had to african cichlids and this would require a different setup.
This was the old setup
This is the new setup. I still have 1 tiger barb, 2 mollys, and 3 sharks in there. They are all going back to store very soon....even though they seem to enjoy the hiding spots in the new tank. I used a glossy black background, 75lbs of smooth river stone and 2 potted live plants (cant remember the name).
I really wish I used black sand...maybe in the future.
3 questions.
1) How does the rock layout look as far as housing african cichlids?
2) Should I add more rock to the rear of the tank to bring the height up?
3) Since about 85% of my gravel is now covered with rock, how am I supposed to use a gravel vacuum in those areas covered by rock? Do I even have to bother? Or does the rock have to be removed?
It looks very nice. I think the cichlids will like it. No I wouldn't add more to the back. The only thing I might suggest is moving the wood piece over to the side a bit, about 1/3 of the tank rather then direct centre. As to vaccuming the bottom, if the rock covers it not too much should get down there, maybe rearrange the tank every month or so and vacuum it out then, unless you notice ammonia in there, just vacuum what you can get to.
One thing I am a bit concerned about though is you say those are potted plants? As in non aquatic plants? They will probably die shortly and begin to break apart and rot. That will spike your ammonia.
I bought the plants from petco. They are aquatic plans in little pots. They were fully submerged in a tank at the store. I just cant remember the name and its not listed on their website
I googled that name and it sure looks like it. So its not a aquatic plant :redmad:
How long until it dies? I want to bring it back tomorrow but I would rather wait until it turns brown, bring it back for a refund and then have petco toss it and cant sell it to someone else.
Much prefer your new set up. I would agree with Ladayen about moving the wood slightly too one side so that it's not central. I am in the stocking process with my south American cichlid tank, the only other comment I would make is make sure those rocks are stable as some of those cichlids can get pretty strong and knock them over so just be sure your tank or fishes can't get damaged. Posted via Mobile Device
How big is the tank and what type of filtration are you running? What cichlids will you be putting in the tank. Also, african cichlids are vegetarians and most plants you put in will be eaten so make sure you research what plants work with the fish you are going to be putting in the tank.
I do like the look that you have achieved with your current set up.
Good Luck and post more pictures after you get your new fish...
here is an acticle on aquascaping talks about putting your decor off center.
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