Starting up a 55 gallon Lake Malawi tank rocked with initially 32lbs of Lace rock and Cichlid mix (crushed coral etc) for substrate - Probably being overly cautious but just wanted to make sure no issues using a garden hose to fill tank.
I used my hose to fill my 55gal just the other day. The only problem I had was that the water coming out of the hose was about 60F and mine is a tropical tank, so I needed the temp to be closer to 80F. Luckily the tank was empty of water and fish (had to tear it down to check for leaks...long story), so I just plugged in the heater when I got it filled and waited for it to come up to temp. As was said, just make sure you dechlorinate before adding any fish (I forgot to before I moved my four albino cories, featherfin catfish and bristlenose pleco over, but luckily I'm on glorified well water, so no harm done).
Thanks guys! Yep - i figured no big deal.
Been a tropical tank guy for about 12 years now and am looking forward to finally having a big enough tank to do a Cichlid tank properly!
Was going to do a salt water reef tank until i found out the startup costs! $$$$$$$$$4
So promptly changed gears.
My son was disapointed at not being able to have "Dory" and "Nemo" but once i showed him the pictures of the Lake Malwai Cichlid and how bright and colorful they were he was happy.
Thank again guys - you'll probably be seeing a lot of me here since i'm totally new to Cichlids.