New To African Cichlids

[Markoi]

Recently i decided to change my 55 gallon to a african setup. Do you know what i need to help me. What kind of rocks and wether if i should i swtich from my gravel to sand. What kind of ph is suitable and how the habitat should be good for the fish. Lastly, im wondering what good starter peacock cichlids are good foe a beginner. Thank you in advance.

 

[MikeO]

Hi.

I am setting up a mbuna tank at the moment.

I am using limestone rocks as they slowly increase pH, which for me I need as my tap is 6.5. You need 7.5 minimum really, but 8.0 - 8.5 is better. These fish need hard water, which again the limestone helps with. My tank is 260l and I have 40kg of limestone, which I am considering increasing to 60kg. I am using a sand substrate as the mbuna like to dig, so a soft substrate is less likely to cause damage to them when they dig. I have a bit of crushed coral mixed in around the back, again to help with pH level, then some crushed coral in my filter too.

I am new to these fish, but not new to fish keeping alltogether, so have some basic knowledge, but not as much as some on here, so theres some basics for you based on what I have done with mine so far and hopefully someone else will add some more for you.

 

[Markoi]

Hi.

I am setting up a mbuna tank at the moment.

I am using limestone rocks as they slowly increase pH, which for me I need as my tap is 6.5. You need 7.5 minimum really, but 8.0 - 8.5 is better. These fish need hard water, which again the limestone helps with. My tank is 260l and I have 40kg of limestone, which I am considering increasing to 60kg. I am using a sand substrate as the mbuna like to dig, so a soft substrate is less likely to cause damage to them when they dig. I have a bit of crushed coral mixed in around the back, again to help with pH level, then some crushed coral in my filter too.

I am new to these fish, but not new to fish keeping alltogether, so have some basic knowledge, but not as much as some on here, so theres some basics for you based on what I have done with mine so far and hopefully someone else will add some more for you.

Thanks alot Mike0, you helped out alot wit my questions. Also i was wondering what would you be stocking in your tank? What kind of mbuna and which ones are the most colorful?

 

[MikeO]

I am getting:

• Labidochromis Mbamba x1m x3f
• LABIDOCHROMIS CAERULEUS x1m x3f
• Metriaclima Callainos x1m x3f
• Pseudotropheus Saulosi x1m x3f
• Pseudotropheus Acei x1m x3f

Also going with a L137 if I can find one.

 

[Markoi]

I am getting:

• Labidochromis Mbamba x1m x3f
• LABIDOCHROMIS CAERULEUS x1m x3f
• Metriaclima Callainos x1m x3f
• Pseudotropheus Saulosi x1m x3f
• Pseudotropheus Acei x1m x3f

Also going with a L137 if I can find one.

All those fish look so nice. I have another question. If i buy limestone or any other rock that enhances Ph from a quarry or home depot do you think they'll be good for my tank?

 

[MikeO]

As long as you clean it up and do the "fizz" test.

I scrubbed mine, then put it all in buckets which I filled with near boiling water and left for 24 hrs. Then pour a little vinegar on each rock. If it doesnt fizz then its good.

 

[Markoi]

As long as you clean it up and do the "fizz" test.

I scrubbed mine, then put it all in buckets which I filled with near boiling water and left for 24 hrs. Then pour a little vinegar on each rock. If it doesnt fizz then its good.

Awesome thanks alot mikeo. Sorry but i have one last question. Is it possible to drill holes in the rock so the fish have little passage ways to go through. Do you think this would be ok?

 

[MikeO]

Im not sure on this.... not something I have come across. I would imagine it would be OK, but you would have to be careful and clean it up as above AFTER drilling it. I would maybe look to seek advice from anyone who has done this before or knows about drilling rocks in case there is anything that could cause a problem by doing it.