New member, new tank, lots of questions

358 Views 3 Replies 4 Participants Last post by gatorbaiter, Apr 21, 2011

Tiwaz

Discussion Starter · Apr 21, 2011

Hi there, I just picked up a used 55G tank from CL and have started to get it ready to use.
The tank came with a stand, heater and a penguin 350 bio wheel filter. Since this used to be a SW set up is it worth it to clean this filter out and use it. What I mean is it seems that about six months or so ago they drain the tank and left it so there is salt and some sort of green crud all or the housing. The bio wheels and filter would be replaced but I am curious about th efilter as I haven't used or seen this kind before.

Other than that I am wanting to set this tank up with Africans as I like there colours the most. Are there plants that would do well in there with them or do I need to stick to rocks etc?

I should also mention that I found this site when reserching 3D backgrounds, so now I have a pile of small pink foamy bits in the garage and something that sort of resembles some rocks.

I'll figure out stocking after I have the tank up and cycled. But I wanted to figure out the filter ,planting and subsrate first.

Thanks for now.

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des

· #2 · Apr 21, 2011

Tiwaz said:
Other than that I am wanting to set this tank up with Africans as I like there colours the most. Are there plants that would do well in there with them or do I need to stick to rocks etc?
.

Real plants would get damaged by the cichlids from what I've read. If you enjoy plants, I would stick to the fake ones and anchor them well. It's your tank so decorate with what you like to see. For me, rocks, rocks, and more rocks. I wanted to create a home for my fish that most resembles their natural habitat. There are videos of cichlids in their natural environment. I recommend you do a search and watch. You will see what I mean.

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Aedes

· #3 · Apr 21, 2011

I have amazon swords and giant valensis (sp) in my tank with rocks around the roots and I don't notice my mbunas bothering the plants at all

As for types of plants there are lots of threads about that here - should be easy to find

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gatorbaiter

· #4 · Apr 21, 2011

It probably could be cleaned, but when it comes to filteration I would replace it and start with a new hob, canister, etc. As far as keeping africans, I have only kept mbunas and live plants will not work. If you are keeping mbunas--rocks and more rocks are the way to go. Can't speak for keeping haps and such with plants so maybe someone else will chime in. Good luck and enjoy

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