IDEAL RANGES

[rsmo]

:? Ok as you can tell I'am new to the keeping of malawi cichlids. Have a couple of questions.
1.) What is the ideal temperature to keep my tank at ?
2.) What is the ideal KH ?
3.) What is the ideal PH ?
4.) How many fish can I keep in a 120 gallon tank ? 60"L x 18"W x 22"H
5.) My nitrates running at 10 is this ok ?
6.) What is the ideal GH ?
Most of the books I have bought show a wide range.
My tank is kept at 80 degrees with a ph of 7.8 and kh of 7 and a gh of 10. Is this ok?
THANKS

[catfishes]

Hiya Rsmo :D

1.) 76 degrees F is an ideal temperature
2.) 9-12 KH
3.) 8.2-8.5 is around where my Ph runs
4.) Depends on what kind of fish you want to keep. Surf the web and find a few fish that you absolutely can't live without, then build the tank around them.
5.) 10 is definately okay, over 20 I wouldn't introduce any new fish to the tank before doing a small waterchange to lower it. 40+ is toxic and your tank needs some serious weekly attention.
6.) I usually bypass this test personally. Perhaps someone else can help you there.