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217 Posts
Hello Everyone,
I am planning to start a 70L (20 Gal) South American Cichlid Tank; either for Ramirezi or for Kribensis. I could combine the two, but I feel there would be too much chasing around for the spawning sites once pairing occurs for any of the species to be comfortable. However, I am confused about some things.
1. Selection of "dirt". Being in Europe, I do not have access to the brands used in the US. A couple of posts explain that any organic soil with the large particles and floaters removed will do, but I am not sure whether this is exactly accurate. I have access to 4 different kinds of soils;
3. Lighting. Low to medium light is often stated, but how much is low and how much is high? I plan to have 2 CFL 23W 6500K bulb above the tanks or a LED strip light approach.
4. Plant placement. Often it is stated to plant liberally. I have 2 swords (echinodorus behleri), 2 dwarf lilies (nymphaea sp, not sure which), java fern, windelov fern, anabias. I heard the dwarf lilies suck up all the nutrients and leave none for the stem plants (anubias, java fern, windelov ferns) nor the root plants (swords)... What should I do? How and where should I plant these plants (or maybe split them up and plant some in another?)
I guess I have too many questions, and I am just worried I will mess everything up and end up killing all the poor fish. I am not worried about trying the various soils out, see what suits me best and all, but the lives of the fish are at stake.
Would appreciate your opinions.
I am planning to start a 70L (20 Gal) South American Cichlid Tank; either for Ramirezi or for Kribensis. I could combine the two, but I feel there would be too much chasing around for the spawning sites once pairing occurs for any of the species to be comfortable. However, I am confused about some things.
1. Selection of "dirt". Being in Europe, I do not have access to the brands used in the US. A couple of posts explain that any organic soil with the large particles and floaters removed will do, but I am not sure whether this is exactly accurate. I have access to 4 different kinds of soils;
i. indoor plant soil (65% turf (peat?), 20% Erica Leaves, 15% "Organically enriched" plant fibers).
ii. General Purpose Plant Soil ( unkown composition, all that is provided is that it contains a large amount of peat, pH 5,5-6, P 15-20 ppm, K 70-100 ppm, Ca 40-60 ppm, Mg 20-25 ppm)
iii. Plant Turf Soil Mix (no details provided).
iv. From the garden
2. Flow Rate of Filter. A rate of 3-4x the volume of water is often recommended, but the Walstad method uses no filtration or just mechanical filtration. Would internal filters function as a mechanical filter and if so, what flow rate should be used (keeping in mind that the flow rate on internal filters changes with height below water line)? ii. General Purpose Plant Soil ( unkown composition, all that is provided is that it contains a large amount of peat, pH 5,5-6, P 15-20 ppm, K 70-100 ppm, Ca 40-60 ppm, Mg 20-25 ppm)
iii. Plant Turf Soil Mix (no details provided).
iv. From the garden
3. Lighting. Low to medium light is often stated, but how much is low and how much is high? I plan to have 2 CFL 23W 6500K bulb above the tanks or a LED strip light approach.
4. Plant placement. Often it is stated to plant liberally. I have 2 swords (echinodorus behleri), 2 dwarf lilies (nymphaea sp, not sure which), java fern, windelov fern, anabias. I heard the dwarf lilies suck up all the nutrients and leave none for the stem plants (anubias, java fern, windelov ferns) nor the root plants (swords)... What should I do? How and where should I plant these plants (or maybe split them up and plant some in another?)
I guess I have too many questions, and I am just worried I will mess everything up and end up killing all the poor fish. I am not worried about trying the various soils out, see what suits me best and all, but the lives of the fish are at stake.
Would appreciate your opinions.