Starting to set up a 75 gallon long tank. I want to house a crowded group ( 25-30 ?) of assorted colorful Peacocks and Haps, all male if I can swing it. Bristlenose Plec. maybe 3-4 Clown Loachs.
Im starting to make a DIY background using styrofoam, Quic cement and tons of small lava rocks. Substrate will be white pool filter sand and larger lava rocks for caves. I do plan to use greenery but only silk and only in the corners and cave fronts.
Ive ordered a Fluval X5 filter and might suppliment with an underground filter as well. Want tons of water exchange, a good current and at least one bubble place to play in.
I have been out of the hobby for many years now, but have had cichlids before, mostly Angels and then Discus ( which I LOVE ) for years, then a meaner tank with a Red Devil, 2 Jack Demseys, a fan tailed Oscar ect.
Any advice on lighting ect ? Tank is in a nice cabinet with matching top, wood grain. Im going to go pretty minimalistic and mimic the underwater of Lake Malawi.
** then I want a 200- 300 gallon of Fronts.....thats another few years down the road though.
