my tank

[harmonic]

im brand new to american cichlids. over the last week ive converted my 55g into an american tank that now houses a pair of 8" black belt cichlids.
the tank has a sandy substrate with a driftwood peice and a few rocks for decor. the ph is 7.4, a medium between the water they were housed in and my local tap ph. i have pics and hope to post 'em soon as possible. :)

[Rudy]

I am really interested in seeing your pics. I have only ever seen one black belt that big. (they are around I just have not had the pleasure)
Post them soon. I can't wait.

How do you get away with that size tank? I have heard these guys are incredibly aggressive. I have heard that a 180 would be minimum. Different set ups work for different fish I guess.

[harmonic]

i guess it does depend on the fish. these are a mating pair, and they are the only fish in the tank. they've been acting pretty docile so far...

and im working on the pics... i havent had any luck posting in the DIY section, but ill keep trying.

[img:72823b9949]http://cichlidgallery.com/albums/harmonic02/blkbe008.sized.jpg[/img:72823b9949]

[Beaker]

Those guys are pretty cool. I thought about using sand in one of my future tanks, any benefits or disadvantages you've seen? Again though, nice fish.

[chennes]

I use a sand/coral mixture in all of my tanks. The crushed coral mixed in gives the sand a very "authentic" look and a good pH buffering capacity. The sand just looks cool. The problem is if you have a cheap filter: it can get in the impeller and tear it to shreds (it happened to my Whisper, but I think the ACs are invincible!).

Chris

[Rudy]

Love em Harmonic. You must be proud. I have heard they get even more beautiful as they grow.

[1w/cichlids]

Hey harmonic or anybody I'm new by the way but I listen in every night late, so hello. I was wondering my friend just bought four baby cons trying to find a good pair and plans on getting black belts and salvini's for a 90 gal. so if he doe's a pair of each will the convicts be bullyed or killed.

[rus]

cons do a very good job of holding their our against larger cichlids. but as stated above black belts are very aggressive. if you plan on having more than one and they pair up then all bets are off. salvini's are also very aggressive.