I am starting a new tank and want to put some cichlids in there. I was wondering if you guys could help me out in picking the breed of cichlid and what I should build the habitat like for what ever breed I go with.
I have a 90 gallon, and would like to have as many fish as 90 gallons will accommodate. All I am really looking for is color and a lively tank with like I said as many cichlids as my 90 gallon tank will allow.
Before we offer suggestions for stocking can you provide the following...we need to know the pH of your tap water, General Hardness and Calcium Hardness, this will determine what you can stock without having to change the water parameters.
If you havent got one already, now would be a good time to get an API Master Liquid test kit with GH AND KH tests, you will need one anyway to monitor the tank while it is cycling which will take 6-8 weeks. While the tank is cycling you can research what fish you can keep in your "type" of water. A Beginner's Guide to the Freshwater Aquarium Cycle
Above is an article on cycling and the different methods used. I would highly recommend using the fishless cycle with ammonia. It will create an enormous amount of "good" bacteria that will allow you to fully stock the tank once the cycle is complete. Doing fish in cycling should be avoided as it is stressful to the fish, reduces their lifespan and also in some cases leaves you with fish that are not compatible with what you intend on keeping.
Thank you for the reply. I will get back to you about the ph levels and other levels. I do not have a test kit all I have right now are the test strips so I will have to go out and purchase a nice test kit to watch levels.
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