40G Breeder... Malawi planted setup...

[Overfloater]

The tank was converted from a heavily planted setup to a medium light cichlid setup. When I moved from New York to Florida I discovered that my new water is very hard and I was unable to get any decent growth from my plants. I broke it down and changed it over.

The tank now has 35 pounds of pool filter sand as a substrate and quite a bit of rockwork. It also contains Java Ferns, Crypts, Anubias, and I may be adding some Vals. Lighting is 2.5 WPG.

So far I love it but time will tell how the plants and algae grow. The fish seem very happy spending most of the day cruising the rockwork and chasing each other.

I'll post some pics soon.

[Overfloater]

Finally close to finishing up my rockwork and planting... 90%. I'll post some pics tonight. It coming along nicely and the cichlids are a blast.

EDIT: Pics tomorrow... the batteries are in the charger.

[Buck]

No photo visible... ... bummer, let me see what I can do.

[Buck]

You have to check the addy to the file... I cant seem to get it in any combination...

Sorry, I tried

[Overfloater]

More of a wall setup. I wanted to open up some swimming space. I am planning to add more plants like vals and crinums. Any thoughts?

[jbarone]

Still can't see anything. Are you linking to the file locally?
Are you attempting to host it at a place like tripod.com?

I host my images for free (with no registration required) at
imageshack.us They're fast, free and easy.

[Overfloater]

It should be working now. For some reason Road Runner isn't letting me externally link images. I'll have to look into this.

[jbarone]

Without sounding critical,
what look are you going for?

Are you going for an "underwater ruins" type of look,
or something a little more natural?

In my opinion, there's too much rock for a natural tank.
I'd try to scale it down to one side, and stick to a common
color set (ie, be rid of the reddish browns)

If this is an "underwater city ruins" type of tank, again
I'd be rid of a bit of the rock. Maybe 6-8 pieces from
the right side? Then I'd add some Java Moss, Crypts
and a few java ferns in between the rocks. Maybe
a heavier stemmed plant that would cascade down the rocks
(kind of like Ivy).

As for the substrate, I think it looks great. I'd add a lot of
ground cover (I'm partial to Dwarf Hairgrass, myself although
some Riccia could look good if you can stand the maintenence).

I'd also add a plant to the left side. Something like an Amazon
sword or some Wisteria. Scratch the amazon sword, actually.
Something with smaller leaves (a little bushier) would look
spectacular.

Overall, I think you've got a good medium to work with. Your
tank could end up looking great once it's established (with a few
more plants)

[Overfloater]

JB.. as I mentioned this is a cichlid tank so my plant choices are minimal. The reason there are so many rocks is because the cichlids I have are "Mbuna" which means "rock fish." They require the rocks for security.

This used to be a heavily planted tank but my water is far too hard at my new address to be of any use. I am going to try experimenting with a 10G I have to see what plants I can actually gow in this water. I have a compressed CO2 setup and the means to provide 4 WPG over it.

You can check my website for pictures of the old setup.

[titan848]

i really like it, ive been trying to convince myself to setup something like that but am not sure exactly where to find all the rock? Where'd you get yours. Also id see if you oculd make all the rock the greyish color and get rid of those redish ones. Can't wait till the plants perk up a bit!

[Overfloater]

The reddish ones are the same type of rock but they have some rust coloration on them. I was unsuccessful in removing the coloring.

I am considering going with a more rounded rock setup considering that the plants don't appear too natural growing out of the "wall." I have to find some granite type stone first though.

[Darla]

Very nice cichlid tank! I tried a planted tank, but it was just too much work, and I couldn't get it the way I wanted it. Now I have cichlids, and the tank is much easier (and cheaper) to care for. What cichlids do you have? Looks like an Electric Yellow Lab and a Cobalt Zebra from the picture. Have any others?

[Overfloater]

Originally Posted by Darla

Very nice cichlid tank! I tried a planted tank, but it was just too much work, and I couldn't get it the way I wanted it. Now I have cichlids, and the tank is much easier (and cheaper) to care for. What cichlids do you have? Looks like an Electric Yellow Lab and a Cobalt Zebra from the picture. Have any others?

I have one yellow lab and five cobalts... good eye. Any pics of your setup?

[meee]

i also have a mbuna tank, they're really awesome. and about having too much rock...no way. i dont think its possible to have too much rock with mbuna. very nice setup.

[Momotaro]

I am considering going with a more rounded rock setup considering that the plants don't appear too natural growing out of the "wall."

I picked that up right away. Some of the rocks are a little too square and sharp to get that natural effect I know you are looking for. I am familiar with the aquarium you are using for inspiration, and it utilizes more of a round, granite type stone. You have done a great job laying out all of that flat slate though!

Are you considering adding a background?

Mike