Help setting up 125 gallon tank

[jmich24]

I recently bought a house with a neglected  125 gallon cichlid tank.  The tank is filtered with a large sump, sock, drip bar and bio balls.  Left with the tank are two large cichlids along with two small catfish were left with the tank.  Each large fish has half of the tank as it territory and do not come out of their caves hardly at all.

I am looking for a fresh start.  In the past I have had mbunas and peacocks at different times.  Not looking to breed, but if it happens I don't mind.

I am in the Saginaw and our area does not have good LFS options.

Looking for opinions and ideas for the tank setup and stocking.

Thanks in advance!

[Steve]

Do you know what the cichlids are? if not then post a pic of them because you'll need to know what species they are before anyone can make any good stocking suggestions (if you plan to keep those two that is).

[Mission Man]

Pics of the cichlids may help.

And there is a LFS in Clio called "Somethings Fishy" (I think).  Not the best but does have it's good days too !!!

[jmich24]

Do you know what the cichlids are? if not then post a pic of them because you'll need to know what species they are before anyone can make any good stocking suggestions (if you plan to keep those two that is).

Honestly I haven't got a great look at either one, they always hid.  One looks to be a Acei, but he is really mean and the other looks like a Taiwan Reef , but it has a white blaze on its head.  The peacock is really nice looking.  I would NOT be apposed to getting rid of one or both of them in order to get the tank fully stocked.  I have read not to buy from big box stored due to hybrids.

[Steve]

If it is an acei and a peacock of some sort then I'd say to maybe do a peacock & hap tank out of it. You have the size tank that would allow you to get some nice size fish like some larger haps, and the acei will get big as well. Peacocks & haps are much more mellow than Mbuna so that is always a plus for you too. And once you start sticking more fish in there the original two will probably come out more once they have company. Would be a good idea to rearrange the decor in the tank though when you add new stock or else the two you currently have may get real territorial towards the new stock.

Don't bother much with local fish shops. Most shops overcharge by about 300% and the health of the fish is always a big questions. Just look through & keep an eye on the for sale section here and you will find guys here sell some beautiful fish that are all healthy for prices MUCH lower than any shop. And keep in mind there is the spring MCA auction in a few months as well.

[danielratti]

Jmitch I'm like 20 from you when you know what you want let me know and I can see what I can get you.

[Cat(fish)lady]

Somethins Fishy in Clio is probably the best we've got around here.

I'm in Saginaw too. PM me if you want someone local to talk to. My bf and I travel fairly often down state for fish.

[jmich24]

After doing some more reading and research I am leaning towards an all male hap/ peacock tank.  After seeing the "peacock" tonight, i am now leaning towards identifing as Red Fin Borleyi.  Very nice looking fish.

Originally I was thinking about starting a new juvenile Mbuna tank.  My wife requested some Yellow Labs and I was always partial to blue Mbuna.  I dont want to worry about the added aggression as well as hybrids with unsexed Mbuna.

The rock in the tank was originally live rock from a salt water tank.  The live sand is also from the previous saltwater setup.  There is a lot of green algae on the sand, growing on the side walls and on the reef rock.  I am considering a powerhead to try to circulate the water more in the 6 ft long tank and back down to the sump. 

I considered turning the tank back to saltwater, so im not afraid to spend a little money.

[jmich24]

Jmitch I'm like 20 from you when you know what you want let me know and I can see what I can get you.

Thanks, that would be great.  Do you breed or own a Store?

[jmich24]

Somethins Fishy in Clio is probably the best we've got around here.

I'm in Saginaw too. PM me if you want someone local to talk to. My bf and I travel fairly often down state for fish.

Thanks

[danielratti]

I breed but have also managed ran two stores and still have contact with some of the  people we got fish from.