Michigan Cichlid Association

Announcements => Introduce yourself => Topic started by: PhantomCavie on April 01, 2014, 05:37:17 PM

Title: New to fish, but eager to learn!
Post by: PhantomCavie on April 01, 2014, 05:37:17 PM: Hi everyone!

I haven't actually owned any fish before but I'm excited to finally get into the hobby. I'm from the Allendale area and would love any tips you have for tanks to start with, where to shop reliably, and what to know before starting out. I've done a bit of research myself, but I still have so many questions! haha

Is there anyone here that has experience aquascaping their cichlid tank? I've heard mixed reviews about what cichlids tend to do with plants. I'm hoping to start out simple with a 75g and some peacock cichlids so like I said, any tips would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!
Title: Re: New to fish, but eager to learn!
Post by: African cichlid Keeper on April 01, 2014, 05:40:19 PM: Welcome.
Title: Re: New to fish, but eager to learn!
Post by: lilscoots on April 01, 2014, 07:13:32 PM: welcome, most plants will get ripped up. You can glue anubias and java fern to rocks.
Title: Re: New to fish, but eager to learn!
Post by: Maize-N-Blue-D on April 01, 2014, 08:18:32 PM: Welcome to the forum:

Probably the best advice I can bestow to a first time aquarist is the learn and understand the Nitrogen cycle !

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/fishless_cycling.php

Here are some other good links to help you learn:

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/
Title: Re: New to fish, but eager to learn!
Post by: Regalblue on April 01, 2014, 09:36:35 PM: Welcome to the forum.
Title: Re: New to fish, but eager to learn!
Post by: Saulosi77 on April 01, 2014, 10:11:43 PM: Welcome to the forum!
Title: Re: New to fish, but eager to learn!
Post by: Stan M. on April 01, 2014, 10:24:24 PM: Welcome to MCA.
Title: Re: New to fish, but eager to learn!
Post by: jcunningham0295 on April 01, 2014, 10:48:56 PM: Welcome to the forum.
Title: Re: New to fish, but eager to learn!
Post by: SteveScheuring on April 02, 2014, 10:33:17 AM: Welcome. I have learned lots from the forum. The answers to my questions have been very informative and helpful. Ask and someone will help.
Title: Re: New to fish, but eager to learn!
Post by: Ron on April 02, 2014, 05:08:42 PM: Welcome.

IME, cichlids tend to move the substrate around a lot, which is problematic for any plants who's roots need to remain in the substrate. I'd imagine you could use small pots and hide them as a way to get around this problem.
Title: Re: New to fish, but eager to learn!
Post by: Super Turtleman on April 02, 2014, 08:08:07 PM: Welcome.

There are endless ways to decorate your tank. Too many for us to really guide you. Search Google images and I'm sure you'll get some ideas to steer you in the direction you like. With peacocks you don't really need a lot of rocks or plants...unless you want them of course. I wouldn't hold out hope for plants lasting...it's a 50/50 IMO.

As for where to shop, I find buying from fellow hobbyists/breeders gets me better fish at a better price. Check out the aquatic events section to see whats coming up. Also, check the For Sale section...good stuff.
Title: Re: New to fish, but eager to learn!
Post by: Frenchie on April 20, 2014, 04:24:08 PM: Welcome''