46 gallon community bow tank that I want to convert to an African cichlid tank

[jcard71]

Hi,

I've been doing a lot reading on this site and have a ton of great info and I was hoping
someone could help me out with some additonal questions...

I currently have a 46 gallon community bow tank that I want to convert to an African cichlid
tank.

I have a fluval 304 and 404 running on this tank. The LFS said they would take my fish
so I could convert the tank to African...

1)I bought African Rift Lake salt and Kent Cichlid Buffer...should I have?
2) The owner at the lfs said I should change my gravel to crushed coral, is that correct?
3) Should I buy small or med fish and how many should I out in a tank this size? Keeping in mind I don't see myself switching to a larger tank anytime soon.
4) Do I have enough filtration for this kind of setup?
5) Is the following list a good choice of fish?
6) Where can I find rocks for my tank? Someone suggested going to the ocean? Should I just buy the lava rocks at the LFS?

Red Zebra
Yellow Labs
Cobalt Blues
Electric Blue Johanni
Electri Yellow
Auratus cichlid ( not sure if this is even correct?)

Finally, Should I stay away from buying ny fish from like a petco?

Thank you so much for all the great info on this board!

 

[JustOneMore20]

You can change the gravel to crushed coral if you want, or you could look for rock, like limestone that will raise the pH. There is also Eco-Complete Cichlid sand and gravel that will raise the pH.

Your list is a little long. In a 46g I think I'd stick to 2 types, with a group of 5-6 of each type. African Mbuna, like the fish in your list, should be kept in groups. And IMO a 46g isn't big enough for more than 2 groups. You may be able to get away with 3...I'd get more advice though.

You could look at a landscaping company for rocks. Usually they are pretty cheap (from what I've heard).

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Good choice.

1. Ehh, i don't use it and wouldn't recommend it....but some people do.
2. Crushed Coral buffs the pH, but it is not a requirement. I prefer regular sand...either pool filter sand or play sand.
3. If i were you i'd be looking at a topend ballpark number of 15ish fish. You can put in all different types but remember most of these species will interbreed.
4. Looks like it, constant water changes can't be beat no matter what kind of filtration.
6. Local landscape places have good selections of rocks, usually for cheaper by the pound too.
5. List looks good, leave out the Melanochromis auratus. They get to aggressive.

Petco works, but would not be my first choice.

 

[jcard71]

Hi,

Thanks for getting back to me so soon!

I've decided on these...what do you think? Cichlid man?

2 red zebras
2 yellow labs
2 cobalt blues
2 electric yellows
2 electric blue johanni

Is that a good mix or what would you add or remove? I plan on buying from a lfs and I'll be brining this list to him on Monday. I told him I want smalll fish.
Is $5.00 a piece a okay deal?

 

[Milo]

6) Where can I find rocks for my tank? Someone suggested going to the ocean? Should I just buy the lava rocks at the LFS?

I bought most of my rocks for my tank from my local nursery, (sp) i think in total cost me like 6 dollars or something and i stacked them all up so they could have crevices and lots of hiding places (very important) also, i picked up a few lava rock pieces from the lfs, just for esthetics.

Congrats on making the switch, my Cichlid tank is my most entertaining tank by far!

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Hi,

Thanks for getting back to me so soon!

I've decided on these...what do you think? Cichlid man?

2 red zebras
2 yellow labs
2 cobalt blues
2 electric yellows
2 electric blue johanni

Is that a good mix or what would you add or remove? I plan on buying from a lfs and I'll be brining this list to him on Monday. I told him I want smalll fish.
Is $5.00 a piece a okay deal?

I didn't catch it the first time but Electric Yellows are the same thing as Yellow labs. List looks good to me.