Who Gives A Fish Forums

I've got some rocks, but I know it's not enough. My tank's 65 gallons, 3' x 18" x 2'. I'm wondering if I should get some really big rocks, like 10 lbs or maybe 5 lbs each. I've seen other tanks with bigger rocks and I'm thinking that might be my issue with adding a second level to my rock setup.

You don't need to go all out with huge rocks everywhere. A few larger ones with some smaller pieces around them will do the trick. Breaking the line of sight is key, that's the main goal here. Having just a few big rocks and some smaller ones scattered around can create a nice visual effect.

Those are nice pics, I just struggle with the artistic side of cichlid tank setup. I'm okay with saltwater and freshwater, but cichlids are my weak point, even though I know they're freshwater, it's just a different challenge for me.

Ditch the pet store for rocks and hit up a landscape yard instead. You'll find a variety of rocks in stock, and the prices are a steal - at least here in California. I'm talking $.08 to $.50 per pound. I scored a sweet deal on a 60-gallon setup by grabbing a bag of 4"-8" cobble, and the total cost came out to just $3.85.

picked up some granite from a local quarry, they were selling it super cheap - 32 bucks a ton. ended up doing my entire tank for just 2 dollars.

I didn't overthink it, just stacked the rocks wherever they seemed stable. surprisingly, it created some nice caves on its own, no fuss.

Considering the cichlids, I'm wondering if a specific rock type would be more suitable. Maybe anubias would work well too. I'm thinking of getting lava rocks and stacking them at the back, letting them settle naturally. Between slate and granite, which one's better? I've already checked the local landscape yards, they're selling rock for about 25 cents per pound.

In my opinion, limestone, sandstone, and granite work wonders. I'm not a fan of slate, though - it's too flat and doesn't create those beautiful, natural caves. The cave systems you can make with slate are pretty generic and can easily topple over. I think slate can be a great accent rock in some aquariums with varied rock types, but in mbuna tanks, it just doesn't cut it for me.

Honestly, mbuna will devour pretty much any plant you put in the tank. I don't think there are any exceptions. Lava rock is also safe, but it's sharp and pricey in my area. Lace stone is another common choice, but again, it's sharp and expensive.

I've made some progress on my 50-gallon tank, and I chose black granite for the stone work. Here's a photo of how it's coming along.

sounds like a plan. gonna hit up a construction yard, grab a bunch of rocks. got one nearby, so that's a plus. will post some pics once i get started.

I think limestone, sandstone, and granite work best for me. Slate isn't ideal, it's too flat and doesn't create natural caves. The only cave systems you can make with slate are somewhat artificial and easily toppled. However, slate can be a good accent rock for some aquariums with multiple types of rock, but it doesn't suit mbuna tanks in my opinion.

Mbuna tend to destroy any plants you put in the tank. I don't think there are any exceptions, but I've heard some plants might be safe. Lava rock is another option, but it's sharp and expensive in my area. Lace stone is also commonly used, but it's sharp and pricey as well.

I've attached a photo of my 50-gallon tank progress, where I've used black granite for the stone work.

I think it would be cool if all my rocks are similar, so it looks like a natural part of the environment.