30 Gallon Cichlid Tank
- Thread starter Raris
- Start date
I am not sure what you are considering doing so it is hard to say what it might cost.
The bits you will need to get started are a tank with a filter and some kind of cover.
If you are going to do tropical fish you will need a heater and thermometer but if you are going with cold water fish you should not need them.
Most people like to have a light to view their fish and if they want to grow plants it needs to be a substantial light.
You will find that a liquid type test kit that tests for at least ammonia, nitrite and nitrate is essential. In addition a pH measurement is often handy.
A bucket and a gravel vacuum are needed for doing water changes along with some kind or dechlorinator. I find Prime the cheapest dechlorinator to use but there are lots of brands that all work about as well as each other.
That still leaves fish food. Most fish can get along for a little while on flake food but once you choose the fish you will be able to choose the right fish food.
If you are happy with an empty tank you are done but most people use some kind of sand or gravel on the bottom of the tank and have decorations that they like in the tank. They even sometimes decide to grow real plants instead of using plain silk plants.
The final expense, when all else is ready, is the fish themselves.
The bits you will need to get started are a tank with a filter and some kind of cover.
If you are going to do tropical fish you will need a heater and thermometer but if you are going with cold water fish you should not need them.
Most people like to have a light to view their fish and if they want to grow plants it needs to be a substantial light.
You will find that a liquid type test kit that tests for at least ammonia, nitrite and nitrate is essential. In addition a pH measurement is often handy.
A bucket and a gravel vacuum are needed for doing water changes along with some kind or dechlorinator. I find Prime the cheapest dechlorinator to use but there are lots of brands that all work about as well as each other.
That still leaves fish food. Most fish can get along for a little while on flake food but once you choose the fish you will be able to choose the right fish food.
If you are happy with an empty tank you are done but most people use some kind of sand or gravel on the bottom of the tank and have decorations that they like in the tank. They even sometimes decide to grow real plants instead of using plain silk plants.
The final expense, when all else is ready, is the fish themselves.
Your decor/substrate and the amount of filtering you'll need will also depend on what type of cichlids you are wanting. There are thousands of species, though with a 30gal you are somewhat limited.
Are you interested in New World (South and Central America) or Old World (African Rift Lakes and riverine) speices?
Of the Old World cichlids you should look at the smaller species of Lake Tanganikya or some of the riverine species, of the New Worlds I think rams, kribs, apistogramma, keyholes, angels (if your tank is at least 18" high) would be good choices (though obviously not all in the same tank).
The final cost will also highly depend on where you live, though looking for second hand tanks/equipment is a good way to save money.
Are you interested in New World (South and Central America) or Old World (African Rift Lakes and riverine) speices?
Of the Old World cichlids you should look at the smaller species of Lake Tanganikya or some of the riverine species, of the New Worlds I think rams, kribs, apistogramma, keyholes, angels (if your tank is at least 18" high) would be good choices (though obviously not all in the same tank).
The final cost will also highly depend on where you live, though looking for second hand tanks/equipment is a good way to save money.
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