Tank setup for cichlids- NEED HELP!!

I just got a 55 gallon tank, and I have a few questions about setting up the tank for cichlids(african, but I haven't decided on what types yet) I've read they like sand, does it matter what kind? Can I get the white sand that is for kid's sandboxes as long as I rinse it well? Can/should I use the underground filter with sand? Or would it be better to use the regular fish tank gravel? Would it be better to put limestone rock or large river rock in it? (I have access to both) Would it be ok to put a some of my adult guppies in the tank to help cycle it before I get the cichlids ? (then remove them) I have 29, 20, and 2 gallon tanks going right now, but I've never had cichlids, and I wanted to make sure I set up their tank the way they want. Any help would GREATLY be appreciated! THANKS!

 

I hear that silica sand is good and can be found at hardware stores sold as "play sand" I think. I would use either a HOB filter or canister filter, UGF filters have many drawbacks and I think for a tank with sand would be especially difficult. cichlids would be happy with gravel, sand, smooth river rocks.. I think whatever you liked for the substrata will work for them.

if it's cycled, what would work better than putting guppies from your other tank would be to put some gravel from that cycled tank in a pantyhose sock and hang it in the new tank near the filter.. and/or the sponge from a cycled tank if you wanted. that would transfer a lot of the good bacteria over and help get colonies of it going in the new tank.

 

I do have a canister filter for the tank, I just didn't know if I should use the undergravel filter as well... The ones I have now don't have the undergravel filters and seem to do fine... Also, what is the fish to gallon ratio for cichlids? I was told at Petland that I could get 20 or so african cichlids (I was looking at "yellow labs" and others in that size range) I am no cichlid expert but this seems really high to me... any suggestions?
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!!!

 

You don't want to use an UGF for cichlids. They tend to be diggers and once the UGF is uncovered it is pretty much useless. Plus if you do use sand as a substrate it would just fall through the cracks again rendering it pretty much useless. Canister filters are probably the best but it wouldn't hurt to use a HOB filter as well seeing as how cichlids can produce allot of waste.

 

https://www.fishlore.com/TropicalFishProfiles.htm - check this page for the profiles of the cichlids you want.. for info on how big they get and how much room they need.

 

I just wanted to thank everyone who provided information about setting up my new tank! I got it today, and as soon as my daughter goes to bed (shes 2, not much help!!) I'll work on setting it up! I'm so excited! Now I get the fun task of waiting for it to cycle.... I'll keep everyone updated! Thanks again!

Well I finished setting up my new 55 gallon tank last night (stayed up til 2 am doing it!) now I just have to wait for it to cycle and then I can start getting the fish! I'm just waiting for another heater (I'm using 2 100 watt heaters) and I'm thinking about getting another filter, as cichlids like lots of water movement (plus I'll have the extra filtration!) thanks for all the great info, I'll keep you posted!
-Michelle

 

Here's the tank! I can't wait to get fish!

Hello, like you I am waiting for my 55 gal to cycle as well to add fish. ;D isn't it fun?!! Love your set up, but was wondering, are you sure you don't have too many rocks in there? Have you left enough room for your fish to be able to swim around freely?

 

I didn't think it was too many rocks (until now) at the biggest part it sticks out 5 inches or so...but I do plan to re-do it a little to make a few more hiding spots. do you have any experience with cichlids?

 

Hi,your tank is coming nicely,I had the same problem when I was setting up my cichlid tank,I just kept moving the rocks around (many times)until I was happy with it.Yeah I think a few more hidey holes for them to go in and out of and they will love it.I love my cichlid tank they seem to keep the sand on the bottom so clean as they are allways digging through it and making mounds everywhere.I find its very low maintenance.All the best with your tank.~Nicole

 

I would use silica sand and would not use a undergravel filter they do nothing with the wast besides but it at the bottom of the tank. I would use a Bio-wheel filter and what I did to make mine naturel I built a big rock wall that sticks out of my tank a little.

 

The wait is finally over! I went today and got my first cichlids! I got 2 female yellow labs (one is 3 inches long, the other is 1.5 inches or so) 1 female JohannI (2 inches long dark blue w/ light blue stripes and turquioise on it as well) 1 male SocolofI (3 inches long medium blue w/ black tips on fins) and 1 male red zebra (3 inches long beautiful orange color) I am so excited! They seem to love their new home! I'm working on getting some pictures to post.

Bad news... my little yellow lab is dying. I noticed yesterday when I brought her home that she was extremely skinny (apparently I missed this at the store) She seemed to be fine last night, eating more than others, but today has gone downhill. Just sitting on the rocks, not really moving. I tried to net her earlier and she didn't even try to swim away. I've got her in a breeder's net but I doubt she'll make it through the night. I'm kinda bummed, this is the first setback I've had with this tank, but I guess it's just something we deal with when we have pets... I'm returning tomorrow to get a new one. (my water tests were fine, so at least I know it's nothing I did)