Detroit

Hi everyone I'm back.
I just picked up a couple of new tanks. 55g and a 40 g, They are built into a doudle custom cabinet. They person I bought it from had alot of rocks for hiding spots for Cichlids. He said to many rocks will bow the tank and could cause damage.
They also said that they do not need lights - it is only for show. The books I read said lights are good for their color and other important values.
I think rocks and lights are great.

lew2000

i don't know what planet he is from - but fish need light (unless he kept near a window and used daylight - but this isn't a good way to keep fish imho) - a broad spectrum daylight bulb will work. Good lighting generates chemical responses witihn animals that are required and a good day/night cycle.

As far as bowing out a glass aqaurium or even plexiglass from use of rock - since the rock displaces water, the aquarium glass/plexiglass gives very slightly wether rock or water is in it. What you have to worry about is loading - that is multiply the number of gallons that it holds gx8.34(lbs per gallon). Then if you are concerned about the wieght of the rock you are using - use displacement measurement to identify the gallons of water each rock displaces and then weigh the rock. I have had my SW tanks loaded down with rocks - so have my friends.

Detroit

Thanks for the info.
I just filled the tanks and hope to have one the 60g for my 2 Oscars.
The other one (40g) will be for a new batch of African cichlids.

Does anybody have any info on a few good African Cichlids that will be alright together in a 40g tank.
I would like some Convicts and something else.

Thanks