New Tank For Cichlids

[Irf]

Hi all,

I've just got back from a long holiday.

My community tank is OK, but a bit dirty and will be cleaned this weekend. My soon-to-be-malawi tank was cycled before I left, but i didn't stock it. Instead I left some "caretaker" community fish in there while I was away. Thing is that there has been a green algae explosion in there, with loads of it on the glass, on the rocks and even a bit in the sand.

Is this gonna be a problem? Of course I'll do a water change and clean the glass and rocks as much as I can, but will the cichlids themselves eat any algae or should I try to get rid of all of it?

Thanks for advice.....

Irf.

 

[Ferris]

Hope you had a nice holiday.

This probably happened at the end of the cycle as the nitrate spiked - it is very common for this to cause an algae bloom. Certainly do a water change but also test the water to ensure that the nitrates are'nt still high.

If you are stocking Mbuna, they will be more than happy to graze on the algae - it's a natural part of their diet.

 

[Irf]

OK, cheers Ferris. I certainly planned to test all water parameters cos of beng away for so long. I'll sort it out today or tomorrow for sure.

Irf.

 

[Ferris]

It's good to see someone taking all the neccessary precautions with a new tank Irf. You are well on the way to a successful tank.

 

[adambrum]

Could be worth checking phosphate it took me 12 months to realize mine was high

 

[Irf]

Could be worth checking phosphate it took me 12 months to realize mine was high

Will do mate - I have a testing kit for that as well.....

Irf.