Howdy,

So glad I have found this site as I know it will be a fantastic resource!

Here is a brief overview of where I am at:

- have kept a saltwater reef tank for 10 yrs and still enjoy.
- in the process of having a custom tank built 96"x36"x16" (approx 240 gallons), it was originally going to be a lookdown tank for sharks/rays, but I have decided I did not want to go that route.
- is a tank set up like this suitable for cichlids?
-if yes, where can I find a list of other equipment I will need? I had planned on a large sump wet/dry underneath the tank in the stand.

-secondly, if "yes" to this being a good set up...how do I begin to choose between the different lakes? Does this boil down to individual preferences, is one group easier than the other to keep?

-third, as with getting advice, there will be many different opinions and suggestions, none wrong, but different, which can lead to confusion...is there a single source on this site that would be like the 'bibe" of how to set up, and take care of a cichlid tank?

- what other types of fish are compatable with cichlids?

-I know I have asked a lot here....suggestions/ideas/recommendations are very much welcome and appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

bill.

Bill,
Welcome to ACF, this a great site so I will address number three first, believe it or not people do not argue here, we all really do get a long fine, and its great.

I to kept reefs for many years, but being in the Air Force my last move put me out of that hobby perminatly, Reef supplies cost a fortune in Germany. Your tank and sump will be great for cichlids are pretty hardy, and if you can keep reef tanks then the fish you choose will be more then happy in their lives.

As far as the type of fist, people like Malawi is very populer as the fish from that lake offer great color, and are easily found on the web and at LFS. For a tank that big you could do a large group, maybe 6 Fronts that would look great.

Guys, anywhere I missed please fill in

Joel

Joel,

Thanks for the quick reply...it was helpful.

Hey soggy pockets, welcome to ACF!!

Yes, your tank is more than suitable for cichlids. In fact one that size would be a dream come true for most of us around here. Sump is a good idea. Not sure what you planned for flow, but cichlids aren't too demanding so could go 3-5 x turnover. Other than that, keep the pH stable between 7-8, nitrates <40 and most cichlids will be happy. What other equipment were you thinking about?

In a tank your size, you are not very limited in species choices. It really does boil down to which you like. IME finding the right mix in a Lake Tanganyika biotope can be a little more difficult. Might want to check out this Link. Go through the species profiles, library, cookie cutter set-ups, etc. Should find answers to most of what you are looking for over there. Profile section is excellent for both new world and old world cichlids.

There are many different species that hobbiests have mixed with cichlids. Might be easier to tell us what you were considering, and then will say if it would be a good mix.

Good luck in your search and keep us posted.

In response to what other equipment was I planning...other than a wet/dry and sump, and light, what else would be recommended?

What is your recommendation for keeping the ph best in line? Will Texas holey rock help buffer the water, what other options would work.

I will check out the above mentioned link...I am sure it will be helpful.

Thanks.

For the PH, Africans are very adaptive as long as it is stable. If you do want to keep it high, ading some crushed corall to your sump will help bugger it. The hold rock may help slightly, but it is a great additon anyway, provides nice hiding spots, and looks great.

I would say your Sump/wet dry will provide plenty of filtration. I run a Enhiem canister jsut because they are so cheap here in Germany. Would love to have a planted sump. If I added anything, I would have some kind of sponge either in the over flob box, or some place in line to catch some bigger chunks, but that is not a must as most will settle in the sump, and nature will take its course of what is not sucked out.

One big thing you will notice between your reef tank and your African tank is, the time and money needed. My reef tank was like a part time job for me, where as my African tank, I can really enjoy the fish.

Ask away, and post some pics of that tank when you get it up and going, we all love to see pictures :)

Welcome to the ACF family

I see you have some awesome advice already, glad you found us... & hope you enjoy your time here

Thanks to everyone that has offered their advice...

Another question (sure this will NOT be the last of many!!), should I be concerned that the overflow box in the tank is designed to skim water off the top - not the bottom - of the water column?

I know with most other filters (canister, HOB, etc) there is a siphon that goes down the water column which I assume helps drain waste off the bottom of the tank...

Also, (see, another question already) what is the thought on using carbon and an amonia remover in the filter? I can easily put in sump wet/dry?

Thanks.

IMO carbon is a matter of opinion or preference. The best carbon ime is Seachem. I wouldn't use ammonia remover except in an emergency situation. Otherwise what it does is prevent your bio-filter from growing enough bacteria to handle your bio-load naturally.

On your dimensions, when you say a look-down tank I assume that means the 16 inches is tank height? That would be a consideration for me in which cichlids I kept.

Only other equipment needed would be a heater.

For buffering, the best option is crushed coral substrate. But if an inert substrate is used, could put a bag of crushed coral in the sump. This is what I prefer, because I use pool filter sand as substrate (really inexpensive stuff). This does not raise the pH high enough for my likings, so I also add some Seachem Malawi buffer to target in the low 8's for pH.

I seem to be in the minority, but do use a high grade carbon regularly. If used, just make sure to rinse out every couple of weeks and change out every 6 months or less.

For the overflow box, it will not get most of the detrius. So options would be to vacuum the gravel more often, or can somewhat reduce by adding a canister to the tank. Vacuuming the gravel is a must, as most cichlids leave a good amount of waste, especially on a heavily stocked tank.

crowned, I too use Carbon about once a month it does help with polishing and the sligth oder that a tank develops, and I grew up using it so old habits die hard.

Soggy,
As for the I agree with crowned, crushed coral in the sump will do you great, your going to have to vacume anyway so where the water is pulled from is not a huge deal. If you wanted more movement in the water colum, a powerhead would do you fine, but would not really help pull the gunk from the bottem.

LOL... I have many years of carbon experience and disagree with a lot of the anti-carbon theories out there, but I will say there can be a definite difference in performance between different kinds of carbon. Also, you can certainly filter a tank just fine without it.

you guys (and gals) rock!!! thanks for the input!