Convert From Cichlid To Tropical Tank

Benson112 · Dec 15, 2010

Just wondering if there are any known issues with converting a tank from Cichlid to normal tropicals...

Can i litterally just move out the cichlid and add the new fish? Or will i need to empty, clean and re-cycle the tank?

Cheers

elisew · Dec 15, 2010

I think it depands what Tropical fish you`re looking at stocking. Some Tropical fish will require a lower ph than some cichlids do so you`d have to do a bit of research or post a list of the fish you`re thinking of having.

I personally would recommend emptying the tank and giving it a good clean before adding other types of fish but others may disagree with me :unsure:

I would have thought you`d be ok to continue with the filter and media you currently have, this would help you avoid another cycle but I would say that regular testing at the start of your change would be a good idea

VaegaVic · Dec 15, 2010

Depends really on what fish you want to keep.
If you've got Malawis, then you'll need to lower the pH ideally.
If you've got Dwarfs then you should be fine.

You can give the tank a tear down if you want to, as this would be the ideal time to do so, but just make sure your filter still stays wet or you WILL have to recycle the entire tank.

KittyKat · Dec 15, 2010

+1 depends from which to which, and also on the decor.

There is no reason why you should not keep the cycled filter.

Benson112 · Dec 17, 2010

Thanks for the responses. The tank has had Oscars in it (sorry im not sure if this helps as i know nothing about cichlids).

I think what i will do is a few large water changes on the tank whilst giving it a good clean, and take some water to LFS to get it tested.

Still need to find a home for the remaining oscar yet!

Curiosity101 · Dec 17, 2010

Make sure you don't leave the tank empty for too long. If you leave the tank empty for more than 24 hours or so then the water results will look good at the fish shop... but when you put new fish in you could end up with very large ammonia and nitrite spikes.

Edit: Also you should really consider buying your own test kit, personally I'd recommend the API master test kit, it's only £18 from ebay normally and lasts well over a year.