Beginner here, Building a 60 gallon aquarium.

gwljr1314

I ordered a bunch of rocks off ebay (too lazy to find my own) lol and some aquarium silicone.
So far I have
60g Tank and stand with lights
Fluval 406 canister filter
Penguin 400 HOB filter
2 250W heaters
120 ponds of Cichlid sand
test kit/ ammonium/ live nitrifying bacteria (to cycle my aquarium) and other chemicals
net
thermometer
air pump
Is there anything I'm missing besides fish and food?

Hanky

how about a python for doing wate rchanges?or do you plan on using buckets

gwljr1314

Forgot I bought one of those too but a different brand.

gwljr1314

Can Otopharnx Lithobates and Xystichromis phytophagus coexist in a tank with either Metriaclima estherae or Labidochromis caeruleus?

Tazman

They can but it would not be advisable. The Lithobates may potentially nip at them when older. They also do well in a swamp like tank which the other cichlids would not like. The Red Zebra
is a little on the rough side and sometimes will chase even a fully grown Otopharynx.

Metriaclima estherae (Red Zebra) and Labidochromis caeruleus (Yellow Labs) are very prone to crossbreeding, so if you have this combination in your tank, DO NOT sell, trade, giveaway any fry they produce. This will keep the blood line pure (well as pure as it can be in the hobby).

gwljr1314

Thank you Tazman for all your help. I'm trying to find the right combination. Would the Xystichromis phytophagus, Cynotilapia afra and Labidochromis caeruleus work? Sorry for all the questions.

Tazman

To be honest I would stay away from the Xystichromis phytophagus and concentrate on the mbuna. The mbuna can be sometime too rough on them. They are also crazy diggers so plants are best avoided unless secured very well or floating. The mbuna though will eat the floating plants.

No problem with the Afras and yellow labs together. Look at the Rusty Cichlid as well.

gwljr1314

Hi, I finally have everything in my aquarium setup. I'm using Eco-Complete Cichlid sand. The package said do not rinse so I just poured in the bag, water and all. I filled the tank up and it was instantly cloudy. You can't see anything in the tank. It cleared up a little over night but when I moved a rock it became just as cloudy again. Is there something I can use to get rid of the cloudiness? Will it be like this every time I more something or is it just because it's new? I started the cycling process last night using One & Only Live Nitrifying Bacteria. Should I avoid adding anything until it's fully cycled? Thank you for all your help.

Tazman

DO NOT add anything to the tank until the cycle is complete. You risk killing the fish or at least shortening their lifespan. The ammonia and Nitrite which WILL come are extremely toxic for fish.

I would also not be too concerned about the sand, I would however, check your canister and make sure not too much sand has been sucked into it. The airstone you mentioned is not really necessary, more your personal choice. The HOB Penguin will provide enough surface agitation for oxygen exchange.

I would also NOT test for Nitrate until you see a large amount of Nitrite, the presence of Nitrite can make the Nitrate test invalid.

The cloudiness may take a few days to settle.

What fish have you chosen?

gwljr1314

Hi Tazman, I meant should I wait to add anything (chemicals) to clear up the water before the cycle is complete. I don't plan on adding any fish until it's cycled. I want to get Labidochromis caeruleus, Cynotilapia afra. (does it matter which ones) and most likely Acei. I'm not sold on the Acei or Rusty but don't know what other fish to add. Thank you for all your help.