General Questions On African Cichlids

[onidrase]

hey guys, I'm totally re evaluating what I want to do with my 37 gallon tank. It's now depressingly understocked, covered in plastic decorations, and neglected due to my female convict ruining everything. The hood on the tank has also snapped on the hinges, so I'm going to have to replace that, and might as well get a new light as well. Seems like the perfect time for me to rehome some fish and start a new project.

I'm 80% sure that I want to give old world cichlids a go, since I haven't tried them before, and I'd like to spread my knowledge into how to take care of these guys.

One thing I already believe is that 37 gallons does limit my choices, but I'd still like to know what my choices are.

anyways, some specs

37 US Gallons
30"x12"x24"
75 gallon filter
ph 7.6 out of tap

And some general questions:

Any ideas of what can be stocked in this tank? It's got weird dimensions for fish that seem to primarily hang near the bottom. I wouldn't mind doing a species only tank, as long as there are a good sum of the species. I'm also not too interested in breeding. Any stocking list ideas of any sort (with numbers and all) would be appreciated.

What kinds of decorations should I use? Just rocks? Is there anything I should put underneath the sand for cushioning if I want to stack the rocks high without breaking the bottom of the tank? What kinds of rocks work best?

How much water can you change out while taking care of these tanks without putting the fish into pH shock? How quickly does the pH level adjust?

Are there any species of plants that can tolerate the high pH and hardness? would plants even be recommended for african tanks?

Are there any catfish that could fit in a tank this size as well? I love catfish.

does aragonite/coral sand ever lose its ability to buffer the pH?

I think that's it. Any info is appreciated, as well as additional things I should know when turning a standard tank freshwater tank into an african community.

 

[Steve H.]

I can by no means answer all your questions because I am currently researching myself for a 46 gallon project.

Similarly tank space is an issue for me, but there are some interesting Tanganyikan choices that are on the smaller side. In fact, I think you were the one who suggested looking into Tang's to me.

I am would like to try all 3 Tanganyikan biotopes, Open water, rock, sand/shell dwelling, but still having trouble working out the spacing.

But, for your tank you could set up a good community of shellies, sand and a couple of rock dwellers.

Research for me has been kind of difficult because very few have common names...all scientific. And, a lot share the same common name.
Off hand size appropriate fish for your tank that I have found:
Paracyprichromis Nigripinnis (Blue Neon) rock dweller
Neoplamprologus Leleupi (Lemon) rock dweller

Dozens of shellies to chose from all listed under
"Lamprologus"
As well as sand dwellers listed under
"Xenotilapia"
As for your catfish I saw some really cool variants that stay 3-4" that were listed under
"Synodontis" -not sure of my spelling there.

I can't help you with your water questions. Luckily the water out of my tap mimics the water needs pretty closely. 8.4pH and very hard high in Alkalinity....liquid rock. Great for the fish but a pain keeping my shower doors clean.

From what I have read people do put down a synthetic pad under the tank and under the rock to help support the weight. And, from what I have seen rock choice is whatever appeals to the keeper.
I am going to go with a rounded river type stone which is close to what I have seen I'm pictures taken at Lake Tanganyika.

Plants...crypts, vale, and java ferns seem to thrive in these tanks. I plan on having some. Even though a true Biotope would just be sand and rocks...I need some color to give it some eye appeal.

I know I don't have much for you, or experience keeping these yet, but I hope it gives you some direction to start your research. Because,honestly, getting a good direction for this project has been my biggest headache.

Good Luck

 

[onidrase]

I can by no means answer all your questions because I am currently researching myself for a 46 gallon project.

Similarly tank space is an issue for me, but there are some interesting Tanganyikan choices that are on the smaller side. In fact, I think you were the one who suggested looking into Tang's to me.

I am would like to try all 3 Tanganyikan biotopes, Open water, rock, sand/shell dwelling, but still having trouble working out the spacing.

But, for your tank you could set up a good community of shellies, sand and a couple of rock dwellers.

Research for me has been kind of difficult because very few have common names...all scientific. And, a lot share the same common name.
Off hand size appropriate fish for your tank that I have found:
Paracyprichromis Nigripinnis (Blue Neon) rock dweller
Neoplamprologus Leleupi (Lemon) rock dweller

Dozens of shellies to chose from all listed under
"Lamprologus"
As well as sand dwellers listed under
"Xenotilapia"
As for your catfish I saw some really cool variants that stay 3-4" that were listed under
"Synodontis" -not sure of my spelling there.

I can't help you with your water questions. Luckily the water out of my tap mimics the water needs pretty closely. 8.4pH and very hard high in Alkalinity....liquid rock. Great for the fish but a pain keeping my shower doors clean.

From what I have read people do put down a synthetic pad under the tank and under the rock to help support the weight. And, from what I have seen rock choice is whatever appeals to the keeper.
I am going to go with a rounded river type stone which is close to what I have seen I'm pictures taken at Lake Tanganyika.

Plants...crypts, vale, and java ferns seem to thrive in these tanks. I plan on having some. Even though a true Biotope would just be sand and rocks...I need some color to give it some eye appeal.

I know I don't have much for you, or experience keeping these yet, but I hope it gives you some direction to start your research. Because,honestly, getting a good direction for this project has been my biggest headache.

Good Luck

I was looking into just some brichardis or generic masked julies, but some websites say I'd only be able to have a pair and would need something much bigger for a community of them. And having a pair of 3 inch fish in a 37 gallon tank with nothing else would be a drag. I'm also not too keen on raising fry, I would probably want to put a catfish in there to wipe out the babies, honestly.

I may look back into synodontis nigriventris, but I'd like to get synodontis petricola if my tank is large enough for them. I feel that nigriventris would only show its true behavior in a much larger group than what I'd b able to provide them.

I'm also kinda looking for a suitable species that doesn't lay on the rocks or on the bottom of the tank, if there is one out there.

 

[Steve H.]

Looking for the same thing my man...

Only have found open water schaoaling fish that need at least 48" length, and kept in groups. Also, really wanted Neolamprologus Tret's but they'll grow to 6" and outgrow the tank.

It's a difficult search, but if I come across something I'll let you know.

If you find anything please let me know.