Peter16 Posted June 22, 2009 Report Share Posted June 22, 2009 In the process of setting up my first "big" Tank, first one over 2 foot, Its a standard 4 footer i think. Anyhow I am having difficulty in deciding what to do with it. My 3 choices are: another planted - not real keen as Already have a couple Cichlid - will be nice to have a "busy" tank with lots happening in it. or Turtle Tank - pretty keen on this idea, would be lightly planted with vals and sword/ferns. tank is replacing my old smaller display tank in my lounge room. All comments appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuckie Posted June 22, 2009 Report Share Posted June 22, 2009 I vote for Lake Tanganyika cichlids. Not Malawi :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess Posted June 22, 2009 Report Share Posted June 22, 2009 Cheeky! was not even in the poll I voted for cichlids Hang on! I vote for a South American biotope :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter16 Posted June 22, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 22, 2009 I seem to be leaning towards cichlids because they are interesting to watch. I can get malawi's for next to nothing, some are Free ! Thanks for the responses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terribletegs Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 I voted for Malawi. Because I have a billion planted tanks. And eastern longnecks get faaaaaaar too big for my liking. And mbuna cichlids are Malawi and eat duckweed! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter16 Posted June 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 Yeah i think it will be Malawi set up. Terribletegs, do you know anywhere in Newcastle I can get some silica based pool filter sand or other fish safe sand? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terribletegs Posted June 25, 2009 Report Share Posted June 25, 2009 (edited) The sand I use in my tanks is the 'budget' pool filter sand. It essentially is like very fine brown gravel. A bag of 20kg cost me... $12.50 or something like that. Bargain! I just gave my boss a call, who told me that *all* pool filter sands will be silica based. I assume he knows what he's talking about as he's been in the pool chemicals/spares business for a long time! He said then that there were just different grades (different particle sizes). I use it in my tanks, because I read that Ancistrus catfish like softer/finer substrates, and also because it just looks a lot nicer in a planted tank IMO. If you are after a certain colour (eg white) you may need to do a little shopping around. You should be able to find sand at any pool store (or Clark Rubber) but most places will probably only have one brand available. And when you get it, wash it super thoroughly. It usually comes really, really dirty, but I have never had any problems with it once washed and in the tank. Edited June 25, 2009 by Terribletegs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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