I am going to convert my 45 gallon tall that currenly has Buenos Aries Tetras, and Gouramis into a Cichlid tank. I am a relatively experienced fish keeper and also have a 100 gallon salt water tank. I have never kept Cichlids and would appreciate some advice about water parameters, quantity and type of fish as well as habitat requirements. I would prefer to used artificial plants etc as I have tried the real plants and did not like the extra work that they required.
This tank has a 50-75 gallon rated 3 stage (sponge, charcoal, filterstones) Marineland fresh water hang on back filter system and T-5/Actinic lighting with blue LED moonlights. Will these need to be improved or would they be adequate for my new fish babys. Also, if possible I am looking to populate my tank in one or two purchases so these guys need to get along will with each other. I understand that the more populated, the less agressive they are... to a point of course. What I don't know is what is the point where there are too many fish for the tank to adequately support.
For decoration it currently has small smooth river rock pebbles for substrate with realistic looking plastic plants and a large piece of artificial driftwood (unfortunately it does not offer much room for hiding it is rather solid) I also have a bubler for increased oxygen.
I need to take care of this quickly as I am having some important company over the 16th May, I would like to have the tank looking awesome with the new fish by the time that they visit! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks for your time!!
This tank has a 50-75 gallon rated 3 stage (sponge, charcoal, filterstones) Marineland fresh water hang on back filter system and T-5/Actinic lighting with blue LED moonlights. Will these need to be improved or would they be adequate for my new fish babys. Also, if possible I am looking to populate my tank in one or two purchases so these guys need to get along will with each other. I understand that the more populated, the less agressive they are... to a point of course. What I don't know is what is the point where there are too many fish for the tank to adequately support.
For decoration it currently has small smooth river rock pebbles for substrate with realistic looking plastic plants and a large piece of artificial driftwood (unfortunately it does not offer much room for hiding it is rather solid) I also have a bubler for increased oxygen.
I need to take care of this quickly as I am having some important company over the 16th May, I would like to have the tank looking awesome with the new fish by the time that they visit! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks for your time!!