tikka223

Does anyone know of any good books on identifing plecos? Where can you get one? They have become a very intersting fish to me and I would like to learn more. Thanks for your help Shane

Zebra loaches(botia striata) are a great small(3-4") peaceful snail eater.

Thanks to all who responded. My Neice was over tonite and she tried the squish method, she had fun but became bored easily. I have put 4 Zebra loachs in the tank and they are slowly cleaning up the snails. Thanks again for all your wisdom. Shane

Again I seek the vast knowledge of AA members. I recently purchased a plant at a LFS only to discover snails. To late it's in the tank and they are everywhere. How do you get rid of them. Are there fish that will eat them? Any help would be welcome. The tank they are in has Angelfish , Gourami, and Bolivian Rams.

Here is a picture of my new 235 gallon tank. It is the new home of 10 Peacocks and 9 Haps. All are doing well and love their expanded living space.

My 230gallon tank is finally ready for chiclids. I have some idea as to what I'm going to put in it for Malawi but could always use more ideas. My biggest concern is how many fish I could eventually have in a tank this size? I have been told that over crowding reduces aggression but then the tank looks like it should be in a pet store not as a show piece in a home. What I feel is that with the right combination of Chiclids a tank this size should hold 30-50 fish depending on there size. Second concern is that I have been told that you should add pickling salt, epson salt, and a reef buffer to the tank. Is this needed and if so how much do I need of each? AA always has the answers so fire away folks and fill me in so my tank looks as good as yours. Thanks again Shane

I have a 228 gal that only has 18 fish in it. When they get to full size, however, some of them will be over 10" so it depends on what you want to stock it with. As for the salt I don't add any to my tank. If mbuna are going in it 30-50 is not out of the question but if you want to add large haps you'll probably start out with 30, as I did ,and end up with 20-25 depending on the size and aggression level you want. Here's a pic:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b272/RDF...shpix-001_1.jpg

Thanks for the info, adding salt did not sound right but had to check with "experts". Your tank looks great, I will try to post a picture of my tank for all to see and maybe get some imput as to impovements. Thanks again Shane

My 230gallon tank is finally ready for chiclids. I have some idea as to what I'm going to put in it for Malawi but could always use more ideas. My biggest concern is how many fish I could eventually have in a tank this size? I have been told that over crowding reduces aggression but then the tank looks like it should be in a pet store not as a show piece in a home. What I feel is that with the right combination of Chiclids a tank this size should hold 30-50 fish depending on there size. Second concern is that I have been told that you should add pickling salt, epson salt, and a reef buffer to the tank. Is this needed and if so how much do I need of each? AA always has the answers so fire away folks and fill me in so my tank looks as good as yours. Thanks again Shane

Here is a photo of the new tank. I've added 10 Peacocks and 9 Haps. Any imput or suggestions are welcome.

Hi all

Just a quick question. Does anyone have suggestions on how to quite the noise of the flow of water into the overflow? I look forward to all your expert advice or educated opinions. Thanks Shane

Maybe get some Otocinclus. I have been having a problem with alge as well especially hair alge. Picked up 6 of these little guys for my 33 and all the hair alge was gone in like 4 days. They work fast and are cute.

Allicia

Thanks for the idea. Bought 4 today so we will see how the do. Thanks again Shane

Do you have lights on the tank? The larger tank may have older/newer bulbs. Could be the occupants - that sailfin plec isn't going to leave any algae to waste! BNs are usually really good at taking care of algae on the glass, too, but don't really touch hair algae.

Yes, both tanks have the same lights less than a month old. The Sailfin is in the clear tank. NO Algea. The BN is trying his best to keep the glass clean but he is just a baby and can't keep up. Bought him some help today in the form of 4 Otocinclus. We will see how they work. Thanks for your imput Shane

I have two tanks both have the same filter , lights, and are at the same temp. They are both on the same wall in the same room receiving the same amount of natural sunlight. One tank has a severe algea problem while the other tank is perfectly free of algea. The tank with the algea problem has Angel fish , Gouramis, Bolivian rams, BN pleco, Goldnugget pleco, and Albino High fin pleco. The other tank has Tiger barbs, Gouramis, Rainbow sharks, Sailfin Pleco, and an Albino BN pleco. Anyone with ideas as to why this is happening would be apprectiated. I would like to clean up this problem. The tank with the problem is 40 gallons, the tank that is clear is 30 gallons. Thanks Shane

I would add the bio media and then do a fishless cycle. The used media will really speed it up(should take a week or sodepending on how much seed media you use) and once the fishless cycle is done you can add most of your fish at once. This is a bonus with africans as adding them all at once will help reduce fighting compared to adding them a few every couple weeks.

Is this your first african tank? If it is I would suggest not mixing the lakes. Stick to one or the other untill you become more familar with the species and their behaviours. Malawis are great for starting out as tangs can be a bit harder.

Thanks for your ideas and imput. I never know who to beleive but have never been steered wrong when AA is involved. Lake Malawi is the best choice of the two but I really like the Fronts. Down the road I may see if they can be added depending on what is present at the time. Thanks again Shane

It has been a long process but I have finally got all my leak problems solved. It only cost me one Laminate floor. I will be putting fish in soon and need some expert advice. Since it has taken so long to solve all the little problems my Bio Material has been in my friends sump system for over six weeks. When I do transfer the material into my sump system how long should I wait before putting fish in. I have been talking to Aquarium Enthusiasts and they say that I could put fish in the next day but that the tank still may cycle so I guess my other question is what fish should I put in to help the cycle. I want to do a combined Tang. and Malawi tank with the help of Aquarium Enthusiasts. The lady there says it can be done but you have to be selective. She is willing to help me in my selection. Any imput from anyone out there would be greatly accepted. The tank is 72"x24"x30" and is filtered by a sump/overflow system.

Thanks for your imput Shane

Technically you dont' need any bottom feeders so the number you add to a tank is up to you.

It would be helpful if you listed the number and kind of fish you have in each tank. That way we can give you an idea on stocking numbers.

Are you just asking about what kind of bottomdwellers would work becuase you like them or because you think you need a clean up crew? Your already pretty stocked with "bottomdwellers"(the plecos)

Thanks, I've heard stories that you should have at least 6 bottomfeeders in tanks this size. Both tanks are very clean and I think if I added more bottomfeeders they may fight for territory. No longer peaceful. This is why I ask my questions here, the answers are from those who have fish not the ones selling the fish. Shane

I have two 40 gallon tanks and would like opinions on how many bottom feeders/cleaners I should have in them. At the moment I have one Albino BNP and one Sailfin pleco in the tank with barbs. In the tank with Angels,Bolivian Rams, and Gouramis I have a Golden Nugget pleco and a Albino Highfin Pleco. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks Shane

I have cories, BN pleco, congo tetras, and a sunset gourami with mine and mine are not very agressive.

Thanks all I have added Bolivian rams, Blue dwarf gouramis, a Albino high fin pleco and a golden pleco. They are doing fine and are very peaceful so far. Thanks to all Shane

I have just rescued some Angel fish and have them in a 40 gallon tank. Does anyone have ideas on what I can put in with them. Three are juveniles and one is mature. I would like some color and movement but still have it peaceful. HELP!!! P.S. Bottom feeders compatible also Thanks Shane

If you're going the route of Synos, I'd definitely recommend at least 6, especially in a tank that size. I've got two groups (13/14) in two different 125's, and they do great in huge groups. Some BN's would be good too to help keep your glass and rocks a bit 'cleaner' if that's what you're after too.

I would like to thank all for their imput. Synos and BN's have it. I should be able to move my tanks in early next week as the renos are done(finally). I have a friend who is going to donate one of his filter sponges so I hope I can get the tank cycled faster. If anyone has anymore suggestions on fish to add or imput on the cycling procces please reply. You have all been a great help and I hope to post pictures of my tank soon. Thanks again Shane

What type of bottom feeders can one use with african chiclids? I will have a 230 gallon tank and would like to have 5-7 different fish in my "cleaning crew", any suggestions. Keep in mind that I want them to be in the the less than a foot range.

I got 30-40lbs of Tufa left over that I can sell for $20.00. A couple of them are cut so they are flat on one side.

Thanks for the offer but I have enough river rock now. 200 lbs should be enough to go with the 115 lbs of mexican bowl rock. Thanks again Shane

I just give mine a good wash with tap water, and have never had any problems. I like the smooth granite boulders as they're more in keeping with the rocks found in the lake, and they won't cause any injuries to the fish.

Thank you. I will try some of them mixed with what I already have and see how it works Shane

Sorry for being so abrasive , I'd just hate to see you waste all of your time and money only to end up right where I'm at.Neil came up with an excellent solution. You will be happier in the long run. Post a list of prospects and members here can help you make some informed decisions . Good luck!

You were not abrasive just honest and from what I gather speaking from experience. Your tank looks great and that is what I would like to achieve. Your advice for breeding may happen down the road but for now I want to concentrate on my 230 gallon tank. I have visited a local fish store and found a lady who is very knowleagable about chiclids and as I progress I hope she will stear me in the right direction. I willalso be keeping all who have helped me posted as to my progress. Thanks again Shane

Why not go au natural, and use granite boulders? Places such as Burnco etc sell them rather cheap (large river rock), or you can pick them up in the country.

Thanks, but do you have to clean or treat these before you put them into your tank? Dumb question, I know you have to remove any loose dirt but is there anything else to worry about? Thanks again Shane

Sure you can do that, but just keep in mind that unless you let the females spit in the tank, you're going to have to catch them before they release their fry. Not an easy task in a tank the size that you have, even IF you have long arms. lol

The more rocks you have, the more difficult it becomes.

If you can provide a list of potential species for your Malawi tank, Kyle (African Fever) and others will be able assist you in any potential cross breeding issues that you might run in to.

My arms are short but I have a long net lol. This sounds like it could be an adventure but something I might try. The list of potential species are: Pseudotropheus acei , Labidochromis caeruleus, Pseudotropheus saulosi, Metriaclima estherae, Labeotropheus trewavase, Nimbochromis venustus, Nimbochromis polystigma, Iodotropheus sprengerae,Placidochromis electra. Any additions or possible deletions would be welcome. I have 230 gallons to use but not the money to fill it with fish at once. With time I would like to have a tank "happily" filled. When that time comes I will again bug you for more advice as to what is a "happily" filled tank. Thanks Shane

Due to the size of my tank I'm looking for inexpensive rocks to use. I was told that Mexican bowl rock is good and could be found at any landscape yard. I have seen "tufa" rocks there also but am unsure if they would be ok to use. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks Shane

Shane, there's a couple of different ways you can approach this. Do you want to have male/female groups of fish that will constantly be breeding, or are you more interested in maximizing color, as in more of a show tank?

The former can be very interesting to watch, but requires keeping less species to reduce overall aggression and cross breeding, and many of the female haps, peacocks, & mbuna have drab colored females. The latter won't allow you to witness any of their breeding habits & rituals, but IMO can in many ways be far more peaceful, while allowing one to maximize the number of species, with a tank that contains almost every color of the rainbow.

As an example, below is what I have in my 125 gallon all male tank, and overall this is by far the most peaceful Malawi tank that I have had.

3 - Labidochromis caeruleus "Electric yellow"

1 - Copadichromis borleyi (Kadango)

1 - Copadichromis azureus

1 - Protomelas sp. "Steveni Taiwan" (Taiwan Reef)

1 - Protomelas taeniolatus "Red Empress"

1 - Sciaenochromis fryeri

1- Nimbochromis venustus

2 - Placidochromis sp. "Phenochilus Tanzania"

1 - Crytocara moorii

1 - Aulonocara baenschi

1 - Aulonocara jacobfreibergi "Eureka"

A total of 14 fish, 9 haps, 2 peacocks, and 3 mbuna.

I also have 2 albino Bristlenose plecos in this tank for algae control.

That list looks great. I would like a colorful tank but would also like to witness their breeding habits. Could I have both female and males in my tank and romove the breeding fish at the right time or could I leave them in the tank and remove the fry when they are visible? Thanks for your help. I'm still waiting for our renovations to get done so I have time to ponder. Thanks Shane