Hello from Arlington TX

How's it going? I'm pretty new to the whole fish hobby. I'm currently trying to get an African Cichlid tank started. I dont know a whole lot about it yet. I currently have a 30 gallon tank that I just put some water in and letting it cycle. I was referred to this site by pitbull, I bought some sand from him. Any and all tips or info would be great. I can't wait to get some fish in it!

Welcome! Ask Willie for some old filter pads from his tanks to speed up the cycling process... What are you planning on stocking your tank with?

Welcome to the Box.

I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to stock yet. I don't know a whole lot about the different types of cichlids.

I don't know their actual name but I definitely like the electric blue and yellow labs

Well, definitely make sure that you know how big the fish you are choosing will be and their temperament (aggressiveness). Is your 30 gallon 36" long? or is it the 29 Gallon, which is 30" long. Yellow labs are more docile and can be kept in smaller tanks. The Electric Blues get pretty big, they might be a better candidate for a bigger tank...unless you mean the Electric Blue Johanni.

Regardless of my rambling... just do your research and ask lots of questions. There are many seasoned fish hobbyists on this forum that can help you out. Finding the right sized fish and the right tank mates are key to having a healthy/stress free fish tank.

Hello and Welcome to the Box!! Enjoy yourself!!

My tank is a 30 long. It's 36". I also like the real colorful peacock and the rusty ones.

Welcome!

Have to love the peacocks, some really colorful fish that love to show off.

Welcome!

Welcome Buddy!!!!!! I am about to tke down a 40 gallon tank. If interested I can supply you with the cycled water to use for your tanl. LMK

I am in Mansfield. Anytime you want to come talk fish let me know and I will also show you around the fish room.

welcome, talk to kmx kory he knews his africans, and holey rock of texas(david) knews his africains too. he also sells holey rock for african cichlids... awesome guys who will help you out. welcome to the site..

Welcome

Thanks everyone for all the welcomes! Kmx, i would definitely like to talk fish sometime. Anything I can learn would be great. I've been wanting to get into the fish hobby for quite awhile now. I have a litlle 10 gallon thats been running for about a year with some small fish in it. African cichlids have caught my attention and can't wait to get started. Pitbull, I might take some of your water but I don't really have a way to transport it.

Jstump, I live right near pitbull and I have and I am sure he has some buckets you can transfer the water in if that is the route you take.

How long does it take for water to cycle? I've heard about 2 weeks. I've had it running for close to a week and I've checked it with the color water tests and the colors are right on. I'm not sure I need any water. Cichlids require a higher ph right?

Depending on what you did to set up.

I never fully cycle my tanks the correct way. Which I think actually takes like 4 -6 weeks. Not sure b/c I dont do it. When I start a new tank I will add 50% already good bacteria water ( from a well established tank) into the new tank along with a used filter from that tank I got the water from. (good bacteria in the filter pads) Then use 50% new water (de chlornated of course) I add fish the next day.

Ph for cichlids like to be a little higher then some fish.

IMO I do not like test kits....Who knows if they are ever accurate. I think some have even proven to expire after a while and give the wrong readings.

Sounds much faster than letting it sit there and waiting

When I put water in I just used tap water and a declorinator.