Started New Tank....

[CJH0825]

So, I started a new tank. It's a 20g high. Got 11 rocks from outside, washed them, scrubbed them, got them all cleaned up, Put them in the tank to make caves, using pool filter sand as a substrate. I had a filter cartridge from a LFS given to me. The guy in the LFS said once I get it set up and running today, I can come back tomorrow and get a pair of cichlids that he has in mind for it ( apparently they only get to be 4 inches big and are purple with black stripes, not sure of the name of them ). Is there anything else that I should do to get the tank ready?

 

[snazy]

Dechlorinate the water, get the temperature right depending on the fish you are getting. Make sure the filter is rippling the water surface(for oxygen exchange)
And although you are getting some mature filter media, do test the water and be ready for a water change in case ammonia/nitrIte are not 0.
Buy food for the fish

 
Also, read how to proper acclimate the fish to your tank. You can't just drop them out the bag, although many people do it.
Have a look how to drip acclimate fish if you want to educate yourself.
 
And good luck!

 

[CJH0825]

This is a 2nd tank for me. I have a 55 currently up and running. Just not sure if there is anything in specific I need to know about Cichlids before i put them in.

 

[McCool]

I honestly can't be of any help, but you should definitely post some pictures of the fish and tank when you get the chance Would love to see how it all looks!

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

I think you should be finding out exactly what these cichlids are and their needs, long before putting them in this 20g tall. Not just from what the shop tells you, but by you doing your own research at home on the internet and/or fishkeeping books.
 
What if these two purple fish are highly aggressive (eg. Tropheus spp.) and they fight to the death after being added to the tank, because they should be kept in 12+ groups to spread aggression and need a 6-foot tank?

 

[CJH0825]

I think you should be finding out exactly what these cichlids are and their needs, long before putting them in this 20g tall. Not just from what the shop tells you, but by you doing your own research at home on the internet and/or fishkeeping books.
 
What if these two purple fish are highly aggressive (eg. Tropheus spp.) and they fight to the death after being added to the tank, because they should be kept in 12+ groups to spread aggression and need a 6-foot tank?

they are called Purple lupingu from what I understand.