mbuna tank set up

[artkelli]

Posted: Wed Dec 3rd, 20:33 Post subject: mbuna tank set up

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I'm in thinkink about setting up an mbuna tank (size 75 gal or larger not sure yet) and was wondering the best way to buffer the water.( I was told by some people to just leave the water as is because the tank raised fish are used to it) I was thinking of using sand or natural colored gravel as a substrate leaning towards gravel and was going to put crushed coral in the filter to buffer pH and add to the hardness. In my community tank the water parameters are as follows. pH - 7.6 KH - 4.5 GH - 7

Questions:

Can I use crushed coral in the filter? How long would it take to stabilize the pH and hardness?

If so do I still need to add any salt to the water?

Any comments on choice of substrate? I've not used sand before and I'm not sure which would be better.

Thanks for your time.

[tom]

Originally posted by artkelli

and was wondering the best way to buffer the water.( I was told by some people to just leave the water as is because the tank raised fish are used to it)

The fish may very well be used to those water parameters, but that hardly precludes the need for buffering: If you want to maintain the parameters, you need to buffer the water (if even only through water changes).


Can I use crushed coral in the filter?

Sure. Crushed coral is a pretty effective long-term buffering agent.

How long would it take to stabilize the pH and hardness?

Some degree of buffering should begin almost immediately as the coral is dissolved by water, but I really couldn't tell you how long it'll be until the water is "stabilized": I just don't know.

Also: Your KH is on the low side, something you can further address by using limestone rock in your tank, or any other natural substance that contributes to carbonate hardness. Providing plenty of aeration in your tank helps, too.

If so do I still need to add any salt to the water?

Not really. Sodium counts towards the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), but does nothing to add to your water's carbonate or general hardness.

Any comments on choice of substrate? I've not used sand before and I'm not sure which would be better.

I prefer sand on the coarse side. If you keep the level low (one inch max), you'll find that it's pretty easy to maintain. I use primarily pool filter sand, available in any pool supply place.

[artkelli]

Iwas also [planning on using powerheads with sponges hidden within the rockwork to improve filtration and keep the tank cleaner. Can this be done with sand or will this disturd the sand and keep the water cloudy?

[tom]

I wouldn't use bare powerheads with sand substrate, especially when good power (HOB) filters are available and an air bar/tube can be used towards the bottom of the tank (holes pointing upward, of course) for increased aeration.

[artkelli]

this is the article I was refering to.

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/ug_jets.php

It says can be used with sand. Any comments from anyone.

Thanks.

[tom]

First I've seen that--sounds good, especially the part about not having to vacuum the substrate for six months.

Why not ask the author directly--or reference the article in a post at cichlid-forum.com?

[Cichlid_Fan]

With mbuna in general is it better to concentrate on more rocks or half rocks and half swimming area?

Matt