Layout Change

[SensesFail]

Hi guys

Im considering changing my tank around after getting some new fish recently. I currently have crushed coral sand filling the bottom of the tank and about 5 good sized oceon rocks in my 200L tank. I have Malawi Cichlids with syno petricola catfish and a common pleco baby (ill be upgrading the tank before he gets too big dont worry)

I fancy re doing the aqua scaping using rocks such as slate etc and removing the oceon rock Questions:

By removing the oceon rock this will change the Ph somewhat and will this have a massive effect on the fish?
What is the best rock to use?
Can wood be Added?
Is it best to remove the fish while doing the change?
Will it cause the fish too much discomfort or stress?

Many thanks guys

 

[onidrase]

By removing the oceon rock this will change the Ph somewhat and will this have a massive effect on the fish? Depending on how fast it changes and what it changes to, it can have little effect at all or it will kill all your fish. What is the pH and hardness of your tap water?

What is the best rock to use? If you don't have pH buffering sand, I'd advise you use limestone to bring the pH up if you're done with the ocean rock.

Can wood be Added? Wood lowers pH, and malawi fishes like a high pH, so I'd use it sparsely, if at all.

Is it best to remove the fish while doing the change? Probably a good idea, yes.

Will it cause the fish too much discomfort or stress? It will break their established territory and possibly the water chemistry they're used to. It is going to cause discomfort and stress.