"djh" wrote in message
...
I have 4 tropical species and community tanks but no cichlids. Having
found
a spare corner for yet another tank, I've decided to try Malawi cichlids.
I'm in the process of setting up the tank and like to know if I'm doing it
correctly. It's a 35gal tank. I've put a find layer of silicon sand on the
bottom topped by coral gravel. the reason for this is that my normal is ph
is extremely low - under 6.6. in the main trop tank, I add coral to the
filer and the ph has gradually increased to 7 but I know cichlids like it
higher than that. I know I could add chemicals but am reluctant to go down
that route unless really needed.
I've added lots of large ocean rock and lava rock with plenty of hidey
holes. No plants as I know that's not their normal habitat. filtration is
a
fluval 4 plus, again with coral added and there's also a airwall. Temp at
moment is set to 28.
I've added a sponge from one of the other tanks tot he filter and I've
also
added the tank water the other filters have been cleaned in so there is
plenty of filter material. The water is hard (around 200ppm) BUT it is
also
low KH (around 40ppm). I'm hoping this will increase as coral does it's
bit.
Does this sound as if I've done this set up correctly? And would I be able
to get a couple of fish at weekend? which brings up another point - I know
you're not supposed to add cichlids to an established aquarium so how do
you stock gradually? I don't want fights breaking out each weekend!
Many thanks for any advice.


Hi and welcome :-)

Firstly, you really needed to add the fish at the same time as the filter
medium - the bacteria will not survive without them unless you are adding
something like ammonia to the water to keep it cycled. I usually add the
filter medium shortly after the fish. Luckily you have the other tanks so
can do this - I also added some substrate (in a knotted stocking as it
didn't match). I also have the coral substrate.

I set up a 45 UK gall tank with Malawi around 5 months ago - very
interesting fish but aggresive and territorial (as I'm sure you have read).
Like you I went for the Ocean Rock - one word of caution - I think I went
overboard in the cave building and now cannot find the fish all of the
time - this of course can be a problem if any are sick or die. I've reduced
the rock but still didn't see my Pl*co for a week - he turned up tonight
safe and well :-)

I added the fish over a three week period keeping a close eye on ammonia and
nitrites - I ended up having to add some more filter medium but everything
is stable now. I suggest that you keep a close eye on the fish. I have 15 in
total right now (not including the pl*c). I originally had another 3 Rusty
Cichlids but they got bullied - sadly I was too late for two of them and the
3rd returned to the shop :-(

Another thing that I find different about this tank is the algae. As there
are no plants to suck up any nutrients the algae can easily take hold -
hence the pl*c

What fish are you planning to get? I found the following site useful in
making my decision:-

http://www.malawimayhem.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2659


Good luck
Gill