Setup new african cichlid tank

[WaterChwee]

Hi all experience chilchid hobbyist, I just tore down my plant tank yesterday and took out all the soil substrate as I have been puting chichids in twice and they did not survive due to low PH.

Can anynoe advise is it ok to just bare the tank or what type of substrate is best to keep african chichids. Mine is a 3x2x2 tank so how much is enough and I think I just want to think layer and not thick layer anymore like the soil previously.

My current tank still got few congo tetras and bosemani rainbows, are they ok with african chichid ?

[patclay]

African chilchid could be aggressive and the tetras might become food if they can fit into the mouth of the chilchid

[Young Man]

for substrate wise, some use coral sand, as it help provide some buffer for both pH and hardness.
while some use neutral sand or gravel.
run it with the increased pH for a couple weeks and let the filter cycle again before slowly adding in your livestock.

as for the tetras etc, depends whether they are able to take the new parameters, and also as mentioned above, whether they might become food for your cichlids.

[burntrubber]

Should be able to have all the fish in the same tank. Congo Tetra and Bosemani are quite large and generally stay at the top level of the tank.

[WaterChwee]

Thanks can I know should I get coral sand or crushed coral for my 322 tank. If coral sand which type is better and how many kg needed just for a thin layer for easier maintainance.

I will keep the congo tetra and my rainbows as they are quite large so will monitor and see if to give away later

[trueblue82]

i think u need crushed coral since africans some like to sift thru sand to look for food.

mine comes in a transparent plastic bag ,5kg per bag, no brand.

maybe mod can help to change the title to the correct spelling...


What africans are you keeping exactly? ...if mbuna will be quite fierce...not recommended with tetras.

If u planning to keep tangans,here got alot of experts



good luck!

[WaterChwee]

I intend to keep malawi as they are much more colorful and cheaper as compare to Tangans. Initially I want to get few saphire moba but they are too expensive.

Can anyone advise where can i get good and nice malawis with good price.

Also I am thinking to lay thin layer of coral sand instead of crused coral as they look nicer to me

[nitingdedao]

Originally Posted by WaterChwee

I intend to keep malawi as they are much more colorful and cheaper as compare to Tangans. Initially I want to get few saphire moba but they are too expensive.

Can anyone advise where can i get good and nice malawis with good price.

Also I am thinking to lay thin layer of coral sand instead of crused coral as they look nicer to me

I would recommend Tanga shellies. Other than the initial set up,
Very little maintenance required.

Love to see them guard their shells and the surprise I get when I spot fries.

As for price wise, I feel they are quire affordable too

[Young Man]

Originally Posted by WaterChwee

I intend to keep malawi as they are much more colorful and cheaper as compare to Tangans. Initially I want to get few saphire moba but they are too expensive.

Can anyone advise where can i get good and nice malawis with good price.

Also I am thinking to lay thin layer of coral sand instead of crused coral as they look nicer to me

coral sand can be purchased at most LFS. take note of the sizing difference. depends on your preference since you are not keeping any sandshifters.
if you keep sandshifters, then better to go for C0 or C1 size.

Malawi cichlids are avaiable at many shops, have a chat or visit the shops to see what you like. a mixture of species? or a focused species tank? both have different feel and look.

btw, take note not to be fooled by fanciful names like "Saphire Moba". a moba is a moba.

[jack_dempsey]

Originally Posted by Young Man

btw, take note not to be fooled by fanciful names like "Saphire Moba". a moba is a moba.

First time hearing the name. Like what bro YM said, dont be fooled by the names.

Google up and find out more about Malawis & their behaviours, bro.
Have fun & welcome to the cichlids world