[chayadecacao]

Hi all!

i'm still contemplating my empty 46g bow front! it's finally in a spot where i can set it up and i have selected the cichlids - labs and peacocks that i want to have...

now the techy details.

i'd like to attempt live plants - java fern, anubias - etc that cichlids may not completely destroy.

So i'm looking at lighting, substrate and filter options now.

i've read that flourite is a good substrate for plants - yet i know the cichlids like to dig... i've also read limestone base is good to keep ph up.

i've read the canister filters are really excellent for filtration - then a friend suggested the aquaclear filters that they've used for years and years in a 55g and the tank is crystal clear with healthy dense fish!

so - how do i decide what is best for my tank? any suggestions to throw into the pot?
thanks so much
chaya

 

[edouthirt]

i've read the canister filters are really excellent for filtration - then a friend suggested the aquaclear filters that they've used for years and years in a 55g and the tank is crystal clear with healthy dense fish!

I thought that my HOB filters did a great job too... that is... until I got a canister...

I would always suggest multiple filters... I personally think that a canister/power filter (HOB style like the aquaclears) combo is great because the canister does most of the dirty work and the power filter adds a bit of help but also provides more surface agitation... And, if one filter fails, you have the other one running to buy you time to replace the busted one.

I think you should get a canister and an aquaclear and then tell your friends how amazing your canister filter is and they will get one too.
:thumb:

I've never attempted keeping live plants so I will let someone else chime in for advice in that department.

 

[F8LBITEva]

your 46 would be alright for a year or two if you got them as juveniles but the Peacocks get like 6-7 inches. Definitely go with a canister filter

 

[lab911]

I have a 46 Bow front with labs and peacocks right now. They are all 2.5 inches in length and I have 12 fish total. I will have to upgrade to a large tank due to the peacocks getting 6 inches. I have a Fluval Canister filter 304. I have had it for five years and I have never had problems with dirty water or high ammonia, nitrites etc. I will never have any other filter but a canister.

I also have live plants. I did not use the flourite because it will tint the water a yellow/brown and I wanted a crystal clear tank. "They" say the water will clear up in time but I did not want to look at a "dirty" tank for six plus months. I do not add anything to my water for the plants as far as iron or fertilizers. I did upgrade my light to a power glo though. I have water onion, java fern and aqua fern. Looking in my area for anubius.