New Tank

[Matt_B]

Hey ppl,
Should be getting a new set-up soon and I'm thinking of having it as a cichlid tank. It will probably be a 3-4ft tanks and im planning on having caves and a well planted tank.

I'm looking for suggestions of what cichlids to have, in rescent research I have took an interest to convicts and malawis, but i also hear that they are quite expensive.

Any suggestions is a help.

Thanks Matt B

 

[SlowSwim]

Usually it depends on where you buy them from.

you can buy young cichlids under £10 each sometimes you can find them even cheaper. But make sure when buying that your getting healthy fish.
If you dont know how to identify that; i always stare at the tank they are in for a while. The ones that are quite healthy are more active (move around alot).
The ones that might need a bit more loving care are the ones that sit at the back of the tank or just rest on the bottom.

Also there are Dwarf cichlids that are cheaper.

Before getting any fish, keep your tank running over night. This will naturally take out any chlorine in your water.

Only get two or three, getting anymore will put stress on your new tank. After a couple of weeks check that your fish are happy and healthy. smell ya water. If it smells clean you should be able to get a couple more.

But to make sure your tank is mature enough. Take a sample of your water to your lfs (local fish store), ask them to test it for you. This will tell you the levels of Ammonia and nitrates. If these are too high i recomend you wait for a few more weeks.

I am also getting a 4ft tank. Im thinking of getting a little school of congo tetras, A common plec, some clown loach and a few other fish.. dont know what to put in first though.. i havnt decided.

There are pinned threads that should help you alot and give you much needed info in the berginners forum.

Keep us posted

- Matt

 

[xamdarb]

ya convicts can be very cheap i got mine for 6 bucks can great fish to i love them you could get a severum also if you get a 4 foot

 

[Matt_B]

yeah i'm thinking of having convicts just wondering the price in the uk