new set up 101!!

[leogirl]

HI! I'm getting ready to start a new tank I've decided on FW since the SW seems way too confusing and way too expensive So my question(s) are...

1. what kind of cichlids can i put together?
2. what other kinds of fish can i keep with cichlids?
3. for a 150gal tank, what kind and how much equipment will i need?
4. how many fish can a 150 hold?
5. how often do you need to change the water?
6. is it best to use live plants, and do the plants require any special care?
7. how hard is it to care for a tank that size????

I know that's a lot of ?'s, but thanks for your time

[honmol]

1. what kind of cichlids can i put together?

What kind of cichlids do you want? African or American is a very general place to start. You also should find out about how aggressive each fish you want can be.

2. what other kinds of fish can i keep with cichlids?

Again it depends on which cichlids.

3. for a 150gal tank, what kind and how much equipment will i need?

As with pretty much any tropical FW tank you will need a filter and heater. I highly reccommend getting a larce syphon as it will aid you so much in water changes and tank cleaning.

4. how many fish can a 150 hold?

It depends on the species and size of the fish. You could keep a ton of tetras or guppies but only a few oscars

5. how often do you need to change the water?

Again it depends on the fish. A greater bioload requires more water changes.

I usually change 40% every other week in my tanks.

6. is it best to use live plants, and do the plants require any special care?

Plants have individual needs just like fish do so I would reccommend researching plants that you would like to have. African Cichlids don't really like plants in my experience and it's better to have rocks.

It is best to use live plants as they oxygenate the tank and help to prevent algae.

7. how hard is it to care for a tank that size????

Again it depends alot on what's in the tank but it can be very hard to care for large tanks.


I know that's a lot of ?'s, but thanks for your time

[Zoe]

Well, what kinds of cichlids do you like - labs, angels, discus, rams, etc etc etc? Do you want a community tank or a cichlid-only tank?

[Dr_House]

Hi, leogirl. I think that tank is to big...you should give it to me.

As has already been addressed, you have a lot of options with an aquarium that size. What is it that you're looking for in your fish? Do you want something colorful or something with personality? Do you want fewer big fish or a larger number of small fish? You mention live plants. Do you want live plants? The answers to these questions determine our answers to each of the questions you have posted.

As far as maintenance, I would say get a python. http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...cleanandfill25 This will make maintenance a snap on almost any size tank.

[leogirl]

WOW....these notes are getting so much longer than i expected!! LOL
Ok, well i see i have much more work to do. As far as the type of cichlids go, can i mix african and americans?

[leogirl]

Yes, that phython looks awsome!! thanks
I know i want lots of colorful fish for sure, i sas some cute yellow fish at the store the other day (about 15) and they just kept following each other real fast across the tank(lol) that was really cute!!! I have made a list of african and american cichlids that i like, but know i guess i need to find out which ones can be put together All the different info i've found on here has realy made some GREAT notes to study so thanks to all for that!!!!
OH... and is one filter and heater enough for this size tank?

[Dr_House]

It is a big process, but the fact that you are doing your research ahead of time, rather than just throwing a bunch of fish together and waiting for disaster to happen will make it a much better experience for you. You are to be commended for your efforts.

If you want lots of colorful fish, Mbuna are probably a pretty good way to go. They are brightly colored and are hardy, which makes them good beginner fish. They are also used to being packed into small spaces, so overcrowding is actually encouraged in order to spread out the aggression, as they can be VERY nasty little boogers.

Here is a good article on cyclng your tank, which you will need to do before introducing any fish. http://www.tropicalresources.net/php...ss_cycling.php I hope that helps get you started.

[Gourami Swami]

We should see your list of fish you like. "cute yellow fish" doesnt tell me anything. If you want to do Africans, most likely malawi, you can do a good amount in a 150