Help With 330L Cichlid Tank Set Up From Fresh

[blagger]

Hi All

First post. I am planning on setting up an aquarium with the following equipment to keep Cichlids. I am after some advice on equipment and to calculate the overall cost, and for you guys to save me money where possible. This is the list equipment I am looking at, if I have missed anything please let me know:

Aquarium 330l - £359.99 - http/www.allpondsolutions.co.uk/aquarium-1/fish-tanks/cabinet-aquarium-fish-tanks/cabinet-fish-tank-aquarium-330-litres-120cm-four-colours.html
External Filter - Is the built in one sufficient?
Heater - Is the built in one sufficient
Gravel/Sand - Where to buy?
Rock - Where to buy?
Airstone - Do I need one?
Plants (live/plastic/silk?) - Which to go for?
Gravel Cleaner - Which to go for?
Thermometer - Which to go for?
Test Kit (already have this)
Background
Fish

Firstly I have done some research on a tank and I like the look of the one mentioned in the link above, so that is already sorted. I have read reviews on this, I know the quality isn't as high as the brand names out there but I am happy with this.

My next decision is the filter, do I stick with the built in one (top filtration) or do I go with an external one from the start? If I go with the external on I am looking at the I am also looking to buy this from All Pond Solutions, it would either be the 1000 L/H + 9W UV or the 2000 L/H + 9W UV found here: http/www.allpondsolutions.co.uk/aquarium-1/aquarium-filters/external-filters.html

The next thing to decide on is sand or gravel, I take it sand would be better for the fish but gravel would be easier to maintain? I would prefer black gravel, If anyone can point in the direction for the best bargain.

Is the built in heater sufficient in this tank or do I need to buy another one?

I'll need a decent gravel cleaner, to go the depth of the tank (745mm). Can any one recommend one? Does a battery powered one work better?

My last question is on the plants, I've read live plants can get destroyed by Cichlids so whats the best option here?

I have seen some great pictures on people using rock on this forum and have fell in love with Nick16's tank here: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/378716-malawi-tanks/ Really good job there, not natural but looks awesome.

(I have set up a small tank, 50L, round my parents house which has been running successfully for a couple of years now. This is a much larger project!)

 

[Noahs ark6]

i'm not the best on cichlids, but i belive they prefer rocks stacked up E.T.C. I would recommend sand as a substarte. Alot of people (including myself) use argos playsand (wash before use). I would also recommend a marina lcd thermometer. i've never had experience with that tanks built in heater or filter so i can't comment. I buy my rocks and wood from "aqua essentials". With regards to the gravel cleaner, I just use a simple tube with a cone at the bottom, which works fine for me

 

[fishprotector]

The main question is, which kind of Cichlids do you want to keep? New World (Central American and South American) or Old World (African)? Fish from each continent require different conditions and set ups to be at their best, so this will determine the most appropiate answers to some of your questions.

Ahh just seen that you fell in love with Nick16's tank. So I guess that it is Malawis. In that case, you are best posting in the Old World Cichlid section

 

[blagger]

i'm not the best on cichlids, but i belive they prefer rocks stacked up E.T.C. I would recommend sand as a substarte. Alot of people (including myself) use argos playsand (wash before use). I would also recommend a marina lcd thermometer. i've never had experience with that tanks built in heater or filter so i can't comment. I buy my rocks and wood from "aqua essentials". With regards to the gravel cleaner, I just use a simple tube with a cone at the bottom, which works fine for me

Thanks for the tips on the play sand, thermometer and the rock place.

The main question is, which kind of Cichlids do you want to keep? New World (Central American and South American) or Old World (African)? Fish from each continent require different conditions and set ups to be at their best, so this will determine the most appropiate answers to some of your questions.

Ahh just seen that you fell in love with Nick16's tank. So I guess that it is Malawis. In that case, you are best posting in the Old World Cichlid section

Yeah I will be going for the Malawis. How can I get a mod to move this post to Old World Cichlid section, I put it here as I thought it would be best in the beginners section. Don't really want to do a duplicate post.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

FYI i have on their tanks are there utter rubbish dont fall for the 5 star review on their site, i put a very fair 3 star review on there after getting my tank and the review never showed up. Get a tank from Nd aquatics.....honest APS is a dog mate if your putting it somewhere where you veiwing it all the time. i was lucky mines was just a grow out

Not to metion another member on here had one and it leaked into the stand within a year risking collapse if he didt spot it before

 

[blagger]

Really. Apart from their site reviews I have also read on other forums that their tanks are fine. However after reading what you have written maybe I need to look for a different tank. Going to look on ebay first to see if anything is available second hand, I need a 4ft/120cm to fill some space. Don't want to spend more than I can afford.

 

[Tizer]

I picked up my 5 footer on ebay for £280, its suprising what you can find out there if you spend the time looking and dont rush into things. I second an NDAquatics tank, worth a look at, and you might not find 4 foot big enough for what you want to do.

 

[blagger]

I picked up my 5 footer on ebay for £280, its suprising what you can find out there if you spend the time looking and dont rush into things. I second an NDAquatics tank, worth a look at, and you might not find 4 foot big enough for what you want to do.

Thanks, I am limited to space, can only do 4ft, no bigger and no smaller. Another tank that would be ideal is the Juwel 300, there is one on eBay at the moment with a Malawi set up, although the cabinet is a home made one which I don't like but can purchase one separately if need being.

I really like the one mentioned in my first post with the front curves but wouldn't take the risk with it now.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

sorry mate just trying to save your cash, i would be gutted having this a show tank(APS) i read a mini review here in this site http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/378346-all-pond-solutions-tank/page__p__3167278__fromsearch__1#entry3167278

having it about 2 weeks now little things bug me like the lid does not sit flush, the paint flaking off the hood already etc etc

I guess if you never had a big tank you would think this is ok or just a fish tank but i have a 350L rio and aqua on 220L the the build on these tanks are night and day to the APS but you get what you pay for i guess

APS £300 Rio 350=£700

 

[blagger]

Yeah just read your thread on the one you bought, still tempting especially with the 15% discount code going round (expires today!), would bring it down to £306 from £360 with free delivery.

Discount code expires today, so have an afternoon and evening to think about.

Also saving more if I buy the external filters etc from them.

Glad you mentioned it though, so thanks.

 

[blagger]

Took the risk at the end and went for it, hopes it going to be all ok, with the 15% off its the same as getting the external filter for free (-£62.99). Fingers crossed I'll get a gooden, have read quite a few nixed reviews tonight and theie negatives on ebay! Taking a risk but I do like look of the tank, the additional pictures in this and another forum have helped.

Will keep you updated once it has landed and set up.

@BigbruiserAl do you think I should put another layer of silicone down?

Also the 200w heater supplied, do you think that will be sufficient for a 330l tank?

 

[BigbruiserAl]

nah just wait till it busts, strip the old apply new. No 200w is not a great idea in 350l but will do for a few months if you strapped

 

[Tizer]

Another mug

 

[blagger]

Another mug

That's nice of you! Would have expected something more like "it should be ok". By the time it gets here I'll have no hair now you said that

 

[Tizer]

Im sure it will be ok........

HAHAHAHHA .... ahem.. sorry, had a mad minute there.

*grin*