New Tank Set Up

[jason26]

Hey guys currently setting up a new tank, 240 litre, have gravel in water, started to cycle it on Saturday by using add and wait method.

Have now decided I would like to set it up as a Malawi tank, can I still use the gravel I have in or would you start again with another subtrate.

 

[Lolly123]

Hey guys currently setting up a new tank, 240 litre, have gravel in water, started to cycle it on Saturday by using add and wait method.

Have now decided I would like to set it up as a Malawi tank, can I still use the gravel I have in or would you start again with another subtrate.

Hi,

Firstly, what does your PH sit at? When I setup my cichlid tank, I used a certain amount of crushed coral mixed in with my substrate to raise the PH, but I did this when the tank had no fish in it, if it does have fish then do it slowly as you do not want dramatic swings in PH. I think slate and other decorative materials can also adjust your PH slightly. My tank was around the 8.0 mark after using crushed coral.