considering a tank dedicated to cichlids

[oceanorb]

Hi everyone
Thinking of making the switch to cichlids only in my tank and I'd love some advice first.
I've got a 4ft, 240lt tank with cichlid substrate already in place.
My filter's an external fluval 306 - would I need to upgrade or could I get away with cleaning it every fortnight instead of monthly?
What's the best type of rocks or stones to use?
Also, what size would be suitable for my tank?
Cheers for taking the time to read, appreciate it
Cathy

[riverfox]

Hi Cathy, I've kept Malawi's with great success, your tank size is ideal for them. With cichlids, you'll want plenty of hiding spots to keep them happy and stress-free. I use a similar substrate to cichlid sand, which helps maintain a stable pH, so you should be alright on that front. For rocks, just ensure they're pH-neutral, and you'll be fine. I've found it's best to keep them in a group, almost 'overcrowded', as this helps reduce aggression. Buying them as fry is also a good idea, as you can watch them grow and develop their colours. When adding new fish, try to reorganise the tank a bit and introduce them in groups of two or more, so they can establish their territory without bullying each other. I do weekly water changes, 50-70% is my rule of thumb, and I use aquasafe - never had any issues. Your fluval 306 filter should be more than capable of handling your tank's needs.

[oceanorb]

Hi Brkento4
Thanks for the advice, I'm having second thoughts about the change now, Fawni's made me think. What about the filter size though, that's the bit that's putting me off, it's already in my sideboard and there's no room for a bigger one, height wise.