Long time keeper decided I am going to start an Mbuna tank.
I have 120g marineland 60in X 18in tank. I have a 3D rock background for the tank that I think I might use but wanted to get thoughts on this as I my original install thought was silicon the it to the glass but I am worried about fish getting behind it so I might just stick with a black or blue background.
That brings me to why the post. I intend to buy new canisters for this system, not sure if I want to include UV or not as the second part of the question is, has anyone been able to successfully grow algae on the rocks the fish will eat on? I've seen a ton of beautiful tanks in my research but none that appear to run full spectrum lighting with the goal of mimic not only their natural environment but their natural diet as well. Might be just asking for trouble but thought I would ask as my reef keeping has tough me a thing or two about natural diets and filtration counteracting that.
Next is circulation pumps, I thought I would put them high near heaters and outflow to help turn over the tank, or is it better at the bottom to help keep the cave work clean?
Natural buffers, other than Cichlid sand is there a better option, and rocks I would love nice sized rocks without a lot of water displacement and not white as I really would prefer the grey slate type look. This is a project for me and I intend on taking my time I am in no rush at all. Also cost is not an issue but I do expect my extra spending to give give desired results.
To sum it is I am looking for suggestions on the following.
Canister Filters
Lighting rather it be full spectrum or not
Circulation pumps and placement
heaters
Rock types or even possible concrete over Styrofoam
Don't think i am fan of Texas holey rock
I have 120g marineland 60in X 18in tank. I have a 3D rock background for the tank that I think I might use but wanted to get thoughts on this as I my original install thought was silicon the it to the glass but I am worried about fish getting behind it so I might just stick with a black or blue background.
That brings me to why the post. I intend to buy new canisters for this system, not sure if I want to include UV or not as the second part of the question is, has anyone been able to successfully grow algae on the rocks the fish will eat on? I've seen a ton of beautiful tanks in my research but none that appear to run full spectrum lighting with the goal of mimic not only their natural environment but their natural diet as well. Might be just asking for trouble but thought I would ask as my reef keeping has tough me a thing or two about natural diets and filtration counteracting that.
Next is circulation pumps, I thought I would put them high near heaters and outflow to help turn over the tank, or is it better at the bottom to help keep the cave work clean?
Natural buffers, other than Cichlid sand is there a better option, and rocks I would love nice sized rocks without a lot of water displacement and not white as I really would prefer the grey slate type look. This is a project for me and I intend on taking my time I am in no rush at all. Also cost is not an issue but I do expect my extra spending to give give desired results.
To sum it is I am looking for suggestions on the following.
Canister Filters
Lighting rather it be full spectrum or not
Circulation pumps and placement
heaters
Rock types or even possible concrete over Styrofoam
Don't think i am fan of Texas holey rock