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[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

 

[Jay-93]

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

I've never kept a Malawi setup but I'll have a go at answering this, haha!

Removing the Ocean rock shouldn't have much of an impact on the Ph unless you plan on a large water change as well. I had a Ph problem for a long time and didn't have a clue what was going on, turns out it was the coral gravel that kept shooting the Ph up, so you should be ok.

Best rock I'd say is the Ocean rock you have. If you want to rescape and have the budget, maybe look around for new pieces?

In terms of bogwood, that can gradually lower Ph, although with your rock and gravel, I'd doubt that would be a problem. Although your water will start to go a little tea coloured.

While doing the change, I'd carefully try to store them in large buckets. I've rescaped with fish both in and out, and as long as there is always something for them to hide near, or the sand doesn't get kicked up too bad, you should be fine. But remove them into a bucket if it makes you feel safer for their health