Adrienne Posted July 9, 2007 Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 I'm really keen on the idea of some smallish 5-6cm discus for my tank but also really like the look of the Electric Yellows and similar sized cichlids. Possibly is going to come down to the amount of time taken to look after them properly and the type of fish I can give enough time to. Whats the story about water changes/ filtering etc or can you give me good site links to read up on them please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evilknieval69 Posted July 9, 2007 Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 Put simply, electric yellows will me much easier and less time consuming to keep But discus rule Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted July 9, 2007 Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 Discus will be in a nice planted tank. The cichlid tank will not have plants in it. Which do you prefer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrienne Posted July 9, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 I don't really mind whether the tank is bb or planted. Its more a case of what I will have time to care for properly given that I have seven tanks of fighters already, a couple of community tanks, three children! to look after and work full time. I'm just a bit worried about water changes and the time it takes to do these as I believe discus require frequent changes. At the moment I can get away with one evening a week on what I have already and the odd vacuum and top up on some of the bb tanks. I know next to nothing about discus or electric yellows, have looked up a few sites and get more confused by the minute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidb Posted July 9, 2007 Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 if you already have a couple of community tanks I'd go for the Malawi's for a change Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evilknieval69 Posted July 9, 2007 Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 If you are rushed with time already, go with the e.yellows. discus, especially younger ones need alot of care and attention (like a kid i guess) and need water changes at least every two days, but preferably every day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanjury Posted July 9, 2007 Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 Yeah I recommend the electric yellows discus probably wont thrive with weekly water changes, however the africans will love it.. There are a few considerations with malawi's though what size tank etc do you have? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogmatix Posted July 9, 2007 Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 Bosemani rainbows are are good choice have a look for pics of adults online Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David R Posted July 10, 2007 Report Share Posted July 10, 2007 Discus will be in a nice planted tank. The cichlid tank will not have plants in it. Which do you prefer? I've seen africans with plants before, I kept mine with vals and java fern and had no problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Afrikan Posted July 10, 2007 Report Share Posted July 10, 2007 Well I would say go Malawi of course :lol: You can keep some plants with Africans..... Java Fern, Anubias, Vallis.... plants that are robust and hardy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrienne Posted July 10, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2007 My tanks is just over 100 litres - pretty much square in shape. If I went with electric yellows what sort of filter would I need and also what do I do about ph and hardness of water etc. Also how many fish would I put in that sized tank? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Afrikan Posted July 10, 2007 Report Share Posted July 10, 2007 What are the actual dimensions of the tank? height etc... You can buffer your water with a bicarb epsom salt recipe, works great. In regards to filtration I would definately stay away from undergravel, Africans love to dig and the undergravel plates will continuously get uncovered all the time. External filter is a good option, some people may suggest internals, however I'm not really a fan, have only ever used them in a tank aswell as having an externa canister running too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrienne Posted July 10, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2007 Tanks dimensions are 63cmW X 41cm H x 41cmD = 105.9 litres. Ph just out of the tank is just over 7, checked a couple of my established freshwater tanks and they are running at 7.6 ATM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrienne Posted July 10, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2007 Sorry, forgot to say that I am looking at another external cannister filter as I find them great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrienne Posted July 11, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2007 Have decided to use my 1200 X 450 X 450 tank instead, so should be able to get a better looking set up. Will just have to wait to sell off some of my fighters first to make the tank space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanjury Posted July 12, 2007 Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 Awesome that will be a much better size for an african display keep everyone posted with what you put or plan to put in it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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