My stepdad had a 75 gallon cichlid tank. I don't have the pics on my PC anymore but we had mixed South American and African Cichlids. Alot of them had been in there for about 7 years together. A bumblebee Cichlid was our prize fish. 2 Sevrums, some silver dollars(i know they aren't cichlid) about 4 tetras. We had 3 electric yellows at one point. 2 mated and the third was their son. The son wound up killing the father a few months ago. My stepdad got a new job and the tank has kind of fallen down the list of importance and we lost a bunch of fish. We just have a Midas(giant orange bastard) and a small white fish I don't know the name of. Oh, we also have one of those sucker catfish that has been in there over 5 years.
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100G Cichlid Tank
- Thread starter Marcus Willett
- Start date
nice tank! i got a 128l tank with 2 cichilds and some other fish (neon, ancistrus, catfish). some good stuff, an aquarium is very decorative to your room. 
That's a great photo, Marcus. One of my brothers has raised cichlids for sale to fish stores as a sideline for the last 20 years. Being a cop pays the bills, but the fish keep him sane. I'm not sure his wife would agree with the last part. Before he got married he had a trout farm.
Hey Marcus,
Can you post some more pics? I'd love to see them. In the meantime... I'll try to get a pic of my tank as well. My camera does not have much control over the shutter speed so it always turns out with at least one big blur in the photo!
Can you post some more pics? I'd love to see them. In the meantime... I'll try to get a pic of my tank as well. My camera does not have much control over the shutter speed so it always turns out with at least one big blur in the photo!
Thats a beautiful looking tank. I like the driftwood you have in it. Did you buy it or find it somewhere? I usually go to the beaches/lakes here and look for whatever I can find, bring it home, boil it, then drop it in with my convicts.
I use black gravel in my 30 gallon and black aquarium sand in my 55 gallon. I don't run filtration on either tank. I just do a partial water change every couple of weeks.
I use black gravel in my 30 gallon and black aquarium sand in my 55 gallon. I don't run filtration on either tank. I just do a partial water change every couple of weeks.
- Feb 8, 2005
- 3,636
- 1,053
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Bag End - Dean Markley - Thunderfunk
Jay T...looks like we both get our decorations from PetsMart! 
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The long shot is kinda dark, but you get the idea. I priced these setups at around $1500-$2000, so I was very fortunate. I knew I'd never be able to justify dropping that much on a tank, so I figured this was too good a chance to pass up, tho moving it was a pain in the &%@.
Well, as I just let go, they're all fake. Mostly from PetsMart, but a few others. There's a couple reptile decorations in there as well. They will tell you you cannot use them in an aquarium, but you can. As long as the tank is big enough and you rinse and wash (NO SOAP!) it well with hot water, it's fine. Most will float but you can fill them with rocks. For some reason, the reptile decorations almost always are much cooler looking.cassanova said:
MAN! 75% weekly???? I've been thinking of stepping up a bit. I cannot ever seem to get nitrates down below 20-25PPM. Ammonia and nitrite are always zero tho. I would like to see a bit more vibrancy in the color tho so I might got to 25%-30% weekly. What do your nitrates measure at? And, yes, I am of course de-chloring the water in addition to adding a bit of trace elements. Not sure how much those help tho.IvanMike said:
Sure thing.jay_t said:
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The long shot is kinda dark, but you get the idea. I priced these setups at around $1500-$2000, so I was very fortunate. I knew I'd never be able to justify dropping that much on a tank, so I figured this was too good a chance to pass up, tho moving it was a pain in the &%@.
Marcus Willett said:Jay T...looks like we both get our decorations from PetsMart!
Well, as I just let go, they're all fake. Mostly from PetsMart, but a few others. There's a couple reptile decorations in there as well. They will tell you you cannot use them in an aquarium, but you can. As long as the tank is big enough and you rinse and wash (NO SOAP!) it well with hot water, it's fine. Most will float but you can fill them with rocks. For some reason, the reptile decorations almost always are much cooler looking.
MAN! 75% weekly???? I've been thinking of stepping up a bit. I cannot ever seem to get nitrates down below 20-25PPM. Ammonia and nitrite are always zero tho. I would like to see a bit more vibrancy in the color tho so I might got to 25%-30% weekly. What do your nitrates measure at? And, yes, I am of course de-chloring the water in addition to adding a bit of trace elements. Not sure how much those help tho.
Sure thing.
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The long shot is kinda dark, but you get the idea. I priced these setups at around $1500-$2000, so I was very fortunate. I knew I'd never be able to justify dropping that much on a tank, so I figured this was too good a chance to pass up, tho moving it was a pain in the &%@.
Nice! Your stand and canopy is the right color for all of my other furniture. You caught me about petsmart. I've been wanting to get some new stuff for the tank... and you're right... the reptile stuff is way cool. I'll need to look into that!
- Feb 8, 2005
- 3,636
- 1,053
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Bag End - Dean Markley - Thunderfunk
Yeah, I talked about it with a few knowledgeable people. The reptile decorations are impregnated with an anti-microbial agent that is not good for fish. However, most of it is on the outside, and a good washing with hot water and a sponge will take care of most of it. If your tank is at least like a 55 or so, it'll be dilute enough not to be any real hazard. And of course before too long, algae will grow on it. Dunno why the coolest stuff is for the reptiles tho; I can't imagine that retile setups are more common/popular than aquariums...jay_t said:
Marcus Willett said:Yeah, I talked about it with a few knowledgeable people. The reptile decorations are impregnated with an anti-microbial agent that is not good for fish. However, most of it is on the outside, and a good washing with hot water and a sponge will take care of most of it. If your tank is at least like a 55 or so, it'll be dilute enough not to be any real hazard. And of course before too long, algae will grow on it. Dunno why the coolest stuff is for the reptiles tho; I can't imagine that retile setups are more common/popular than aquariums...
Who knows.... but I will look into that. I thought about going up into the mountains and grabbing some river rocks... but I don't want to destroy nature or anything like that.
I would like to own a nice fish tank with fish in it, but it looks like too much work.
Those are all really nice setups you guys have. So, in the world of bass playing, we tell guys they have a nice "rig" to compliment their amp, cab, and bass. Is there an expression in the fish world to compliment someone on their setup with just one word? Does telling a guy he has a nice tank include everything you see in the picture?
-Mike
Those are all really nice setups you guys have. So, in the world of bass playing, we tell guys they have a nice "rig" to compliment their amp, cab, and bass. Is there an expression in the fish world to compliment someone on their setup with just one word? Does telling a guy he has a nice tank include everything you see in the picture?
-Mike
- Feb 8, 2005
- 3,636
- 1,053
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Bag End - Dean Markley - Thunderfunk
Pretty much, yeah. It also would generally refer to decorations and the way you arranged stuff to create what they call an aquascape.MJ5150 said:
Honestly dude, it's not much work at all...way less than a dog or even a cat. Granted, there's an initial setup period and getting your tank fully cycled and mature, but after that period (maybe a couple months at the most, for freshwater anyway), it's quite easy. I spend maybe an hour a week maintaining the tank, and feeding twice a day takes a couple minutes. If I have to leave town for a few days or even a week; automatic feeder baby. it's just that first hurdle to get past, and then the amount of work is pretty small, IMO. Plus it looks cool!MJ5150 said:
+1. Feeding takes seconds, water changes take minutes. If you get the setup right, and there is very little else to do. Get the setup wrong however, and you'll have plenty of cleanup work to do.Marcus Willett said:
Marcus Willett said:Pretty much, yeah. It also would generally refer to decorations and the way you arranged stuff to create what they call an aquascape.
Honestly dude, it's not much work at all...way less than a dog or even a cat. Granted, there's an initial setup period and getting your tank fully cycled and mature, but after that period (maybe a couple months at the most, for freshwater anyway), it's quite easy. I spend maybe an hour a week maintaining the tank, and feeding twice a day takes a couple minutes. If I have to leave town for a few days or even a week; automatic feeder baby. it's just that first hurdle to get past, and then the amount of work is pretty small, IMO. Plus it looks cool!
And the $$$$$ of course... it's expensive to start until you look at buying a cat or dog anyway. Or a bird.
Man, I thought I was anal about water changes...75%??? I've got 4 tanks going right now, so I'd do nothing but change water if I did that! I do 30% every two weeks. Maybe if a tank's overcrowded I do them more often, but never more than 50%. Nobody looks polluted.
Marcus, Too bad the cichlids eat plants, huh? Then you could just stick some live plants in there and wouldn't have to worry about nitrates. Still have to change the water but not as much.
BTW, I know of two ways to speed up the original cycling greatly and not kill any fish (freshwater only...they don't work in salt tanks from what I've heard). Check this out:
1. Set your tank completely up the way you want it except for fish. Dump a teaspoon of ammonia per gallon in it once a day. Test the water for ammonia every couple days. Once the ammonia quits showing up (should take about 5-6 days), cut the ammonia dosage in half and test for nitrites every couple days. Once the nitrites go away, do a complete water change and start adding fish. All the bacteria needed for cycling will be built up in the filter and gravel. Dechlorinate the water before you put it in the tank, or you will kill the bacteria. You can add a whole tank full of fish if you want, but many people prefer to stock it slowly. Doesn't really matter because you've added way more ammonia than a fully stocked tank will produce and it can easily cycle a full load. It takes about 15 days for the tank to cycle this way, doesn't kill any fish, and is foolproof.
2. This method is not so foolproof but also works well, and has the benefit of being able to stock fish the same day:
Set your tank up the way you want it except for fish. Get some used filter material from a tank that's well-cycled and has no unhealthy fish. And get a lot if you can. You can also get gravel and ornaments if your friend with the cycled tank will let you. Stores will sometimes give you some used filter media as well, but make sure their tanks don't run on a common water supply since they often have an unhealthy tank or two. Almost all chain stores use common water supplies, so a mom and pop store is the best bet.
Anyway, put the filter fiber in your filter, and any gravel and ornaments you were able to get in the tank. Let the tank run while you go buy some fish to give the tank ammonia to feed the cycling bacteria. Add 5-6 fish for the first batch. It's important to keep testing for ammonia and nitrite every day at this point. It's possible to add too many fish and cause the nitrite levels to spike. If you get a spike, just do a 30% water change every 2 days until the nitrites go away. You can add more fish once they go away, but only add 4-5 at a time until you're fully stocked. Now I have been able to fully cycle a 55 gallon tank and start with a full load of fish, but that required a lot of gravel from another tank and a lot of used filter fiber. It's far better to start slowly, though.
BTW, these methods can be greatly assisted by the addition of live plants in your tank. Can't do it if you have plant eaters like cichlids, but if you don't, you should always try to get some growing in your tank.
BTW, am I mistaken or isn't a protein skimmer useless in a freshwater tank?
Jeez, you guys reminded that my tanks are due for a water change...I hate water changes! But my fish love them, so I give them what they want.
Marcus, Too bad the cichlids eat plants, huh? Then you could just stick some live plants in there and wouldn't have to worry about nitrates. Still have to change the water but not as much.
BTW, I know of two ways to speed up the original cycling greatly and not kill any fish (freshwater only...they don't work in salt tanks from what I've heard). Check this out:
1. Set your tank completely up the way you want it except for fish. Dump a teaspoon of ammonia per gallon in it once a day. Test the water for ammonia every couple days. Once the ammonia quits showing up (should take about 5-6 days), cut the ammonia dosage in half and test for nitrites every couple days. Once the nitrites go away, do a complete water change and start adding fish. All the bacteria needed for cycling will be built up in the filter and gravel. Dechlorinate the water before you put it in the tank, or you will kill the bacteria. You can add a whole tank full of fish if you want, but many people prefer to stock it slowly. Doesn't really matter because you've added way more ammonia than a fully stocked tank will produce and it can easily cycle a full load. It takes about 15 days for the tank to cycle this way, doesn't kill any fish, and is foolproof.
2. This method is not so foolproof but also works well, and has the benefit of being able to stock fish the same day:
Set your tank up the way you want it except for fish. Get some used filter material from a tank that's well-cycled and has no unhealthy fish. And get a lot if you can. You can also get gravel and ornaments if your friend with the cycled tank will let you. Stores will sometimes give you some used filter media as well, but make sure their tanks don't run on a common water supply since they often have an unhealthy tank or two. Almost all chain stores use common water supplies, so a mom and pop store is the best bet.
Anyway, put the filter fiber in your filter, and any gravel and ornaments you were able to get in the tank. Let the tank run while you go buy some fish to give the tank ammonia to feed the cycling bacteria. Add 5-6 fish for the first batch. It's important to keep testing for ammonia and nitrite every day at this point. It's possible to add too many fish and cause the nitrite levels to spike. If you get a spike, just do a 30% water change every 2 days until the nitrites go away. You can add more fish once they go away, but only add 4-5 at a time until you're fully stocked. Now I have been able to fully cycle a 55 gallon tank and start with a full load of fish, but that required a lot of gravel from another tank and a lot of used filter fiber. It's far better to start slowly, though.
BTW, these methods can be greatly assisted by the addition of live plants in your tank. Can't do it if you have plant eaters like cichlids, but if you don't, you should always try to get some growing in your tank.
BTW, am I mistaken or isn't a protein skimmer useless in a freshwater tank?
Jeez, you guys reminded that my tanks are due for a water change...I hate water changes! But my fish love them, so I give them what they want.
- Feb 8, 2005
- 3,636
- 1,053
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Bag End - Dean Markley - Thunderfunk
jay_t said:
Too bad MJ5150 doesn't live close to me; I could give him a good deal on my used 55G setup sitting in my garage. That's another angle, MJ5150. Lots of people try this and screw up the cycling process (i.e., buy a tank and stand, etc. at WalMart, fill it with water, buy a bunch of fish, they all die in a week or 2, and they think having a tank is hard work and sux), so they end up selling their setup just to be rid of it...might be worth looking around for...
jay_t said:
Buy used!!
I don't know if it's the same over there but there used market here is very very low.
You can easily find a 50G for around 100$.
I saw last week a very nice 100G with a piano top like yours for 500 candian about 400USD.
It's not that expensive if you buy used.
JimmyM said:
I change about 25% every month and everything is perfect here!
No white dot, sickness or death.
I know someone with a salted fish thank who never do any water change, never. And everything as been fine for 7 years now.
I also have some Killie fish and I never do any water change in those. When I do they stop reproducing!
- Mar 22, 2005
- 3,718
- 6
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Lakland Basses
