Topic Moved To Cichlid Forum - Please Comment There - Thanks!

[jojouk]

Ok, so I'm thinking about a change. I have a Rio 180 planted tank, stocked with community fishes.

I'm thinking of converting it to a cichlid tank, doing away with all the plants, and having a nice rock display, I'm loving the colours of cichlids, and the size some get to - they are amazing

The questions I have are:
1) I have read up a bit, and have learnt that 3 footers aren't really ideal for most cichlids, due to the numbers needed to limit aggression, what would people suggest stocking my 180 with?
2) I would ideally like it to look a little bit like a marine tank? ie with lighter rocks, looking more reef like - maybe using cured ocean rock? I have read that this can alter the ph, which some cichlids like?
3) Or should I just bite the bullet and go marine - however, the whole process looks quite scary to be honest!!!

Really a newb when it comes to cichlids, so seeking wisdoms of others!

 

[fishprotector]

Due to the fact that you want a rock display, I am guessing that you are interested in keeping African Cichlids? I used to keep some of my American Cichlids in a Rio 180 and it worked.

 

[jojouk]

Like i said, I'm a complete newb when it comes to cichlids. Do only one type like rocky crevices? (oo er!)

 

[soybean]

I'm currently thinking of converting my Rio 180 community to a tanganyikan set up of both shell and rockdwellers - it seems the perfect middle ground between community and the impossible-in-a-rio-180 Malawi setup I want.

 

[jojouk]

Ooo I'll google that...

 

[jojouk]

Hmmmm...So what fish go in there and what numbers?

 

[jojouk]

Hmmmm...So what fish go in there and what numbers?

This looks pretty....

http/www.cichlid-forum.com/tanks/displaytank.php?tank=2205

Hmmmm...So what fish go in there and what numbers?

This looks pretty....

http/www.cichlid-forum.com/tanks/displaytank.php?tank=2205

 

[soybean]

But that's a Malawi setup, difficult in a tank this size.

 

[jojouk]

But that's a Malawi setup, difficult in a tank this size.

Oh, I read that Ps. saulosi are fine in a 30gal, so given that mine is like 55gal (US) I thought it would be ok

 

[soybean]

But that's a Malawi setup, difficult in a tank this size.

Oh, I read that Ps. saulosi are fine in a 30gal, so given that mine is like 55gal (US) I thought it would be ok

180 litres is 47.5 US gallons. Not allowing for substrate, equipment and the large number of rocks needed, which will make it much less.

 

[jojouk]

my memory is more shocking than I thought...

 

[Malawi MaD]

my memory is more shocking than I thought...

Pseudotropheus saulosi (the fish in the 180 pic) will be fine in a Rio 180. As long as the water is in top condition and well maintained with good ratio's of male and female fish.