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I have an African Cichlid tank, with Malawi Cichlids (as far as I know) . . . http://www.lilviv.com/pets/fish/cichlids/ has all the details. http://www.lilviv.com/pets/fish/cichlids/afrfront-whole.jpg is a picture of the whole aquarium.

My question is . . . I have always been trying to get as much holey rock as possible and make as many hiding places and passageways as possible for my fish, and they love it . . . BUT, do I have too much rock in there? Is there enough room for them to swim and be happy? Please, any advice or thoughts from you guys is very welcome.

Here's the quick link

http://www.lilviv.com/pets/fish/cichlids/afrfront-whole.jpg


Looks good to me . Nice setup. If the fish are happy, hey why not? I like the holey rock so much more when it is aged, the new white look isn't natural. How long has been setup?

I have some onion plants in my malawi tank and it add some nice contrast, I think a couple would look in there. Those plants are really safe with cichlids and plecos, but definitely don't like salt.

Just a couple questions if you don't mind?

What is the tank size?
What are the cichlids in the tank?
Any bottom feeders?
Which bulbs do you run?
Have you considered any synodotis species?

I put the specs. on that page . . . http://www.lilviv.com/pets/fish/cichlids

But, it's a 55 Gallon tank, the Cichlids are all detailed on there . . . there are 5 Socolofis (Powder Blue). 4 of those were born in the tank. :-) I have 1 Rusty Zebra, 1 Red Zebra, 1 Albino Zebra, 1 Bumblebee, 1 Aceii, and 1 I can't identify. As for bottom feeders, I have 2 Lace catfish that eat everything. I also have a small plecostamus in there.

I use a 48" Coralife Nutri-Grow Plant Lamp, and I don't know what synodotis species are. What are they?

Also, I have had the tank setup this way for about 2 years . . . before that, the much smaller Africans were in an Eclipse 29 gallon tank. They are comfy in this 55, now. :-)

Thanks for the feedback!

lilviv

It seems OK but I would like to see some attempt to give it some shape appeal. Eg take the LH end higher and reduce the RH end also try to give it a shape on the way down not just a straight line. Just an idea.

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
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That's an excellent idea, thanks. Everytime I do a water change, I pull out all the rocks and replace them . . . to find off aggression and territorialism (which has been successful so far), so next time I will definitely add more shape appeal. Thanks!

Lilviv

Thank you for that
By doing that, you will find it easer and spofter on the eye, and certainy more appealing

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

u can never have to many rocks well as long as theres still water in the tank its all good my friend
i have over 450lbs in my 125gallon tank with over 40 fish n my 35 gallon i had jsut shy of 200lbs my rift lakers love it
i also have a few silk plants in the tank as well

i use atinic lighting really shows off the blues n gives the tank a blue look cuz my place is really dimmly lit n the weathered limestone i use looks grreat

I am with keith on this one. It is like a wall of rock. Having in two 'villages' you may even end up with more space for hidey holes. And you will see them as they make their way from one neighbourhood to another.

I have my tank built up in sections with some blank areas between.

Good luck! Post a pic of your new setup... good on you for having so much rock for them, they are lucky!

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~~~ My fish blow kisses at me all day long ~~~