tikka223 Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slough Shark Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 Synodontis sp. are great for keeping in the African Motif. Might want to throw in a couple BNP to pick up whats left of the algae. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishytime Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 What Shark said. Unfortunately there arent many bottom dwelling clean up type fish that can withstand the constant harassment from cichlids. Some guys have had success with clown loaches. If you do go with synodontis cats, most species do better in groups,so the more the marrier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vallisneria Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 I have 9 Syno petricola in my 90g and I love them. Syno multipunctatus are also a good choice and get bigger then the petricola which might be better in a 230gal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 I have to say that my Xenotilapias are an amazing cleaning crew. Since I added them the bottom of my tank has become sparkling clean! They eat the algae too. I have a medium size rock in the open area where they hang out that used to be green as grass, but now there are no algae left. The only place I have algae is on the rock pile where my julie pair are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brenda4 Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 I have corycats and rubber lip pleco and reg. pleco in 80 gal with peacocks and elec yellow,severum,blue acara, acei, the rubber lip will take on the larger pleco(5x)no problem.Ifind the rubber lip will clean the rocks better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 I say put two bristlenose plecos in there 2-3 synodontis and 2 clown loaches. I found the water parameters and cichlid food cause the clowns to have amazing colour. And as long as you provide good, small shelter for your clowns they would fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishGeek Posted June 19, 2007 Report Share Posted June 19, 2007 You can never go wrong with Synos in a african cichlid tank, they have no issues with the harassment from the cichlids and do a very good job keeping the bottom clean. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
African_Fever Posted June 19, 2007 Report Share Posted June 19, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tikka223 Posted June 21, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 21, 2007 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earthgirl Posted June 23, 2007 Report Share Posted June 23, 2007 How about borrowing some Bio-Balls from someone you work with? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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