Cichlids and hiding spots?

Question

I know cichlids like to hide and I want to take out the ornamental decorations in my tank and add big rocks...do i buy these from a pet store or can i just go get rocks from outside and wash them off then add them ???

Answer 1

One thing I think that should also be brought to light in addition to the other answers, is that not all cichlids are a hiding type, or cave dwelling. Several species of the Haplochromis family are more of an open water type swimmer, which the rocks wouldn't do anything more then occupy space which they are liable not to venture into. The only species that I know for sure that are big on caves and rock formations are the Mbuna group. If you are sure that you have a cave dwelling species, then adding the rocks becomes of good interest for you.

When adding live rocks found outside, it's going to be in your best interest to cure them first. Immersing them in boiling water for a few days is a good start. Rocks retrived from outside not only could contain lethal chemicals to your fish, but unwanted pathogens as well. You can buy from Pet stores as well, but I'd still advise curing any rocks before occupying a populated tank.

Answer 2

This is very important! You cannot use just any rocks. You must know what kind of rock it is. Some rocks give off acid which kills cichlids--they like hard water. Other rocks give off alkaline which may make to water too hard. Slate is a safe rock to use--the flat kind you find laid out in outside patios and can be found in pink or grey colors. Do not use sandstone. or cement. Granite, the kind of stone found in tombstones is also safe. I use slate right from the patio----but you must first boil that stone in a pan on the stove to kill bacteria from the soil, as well as fungus spores, and other bugs and small microscopic insects. If you don't they can enter the water and kill your fish. You can also soak those particular rocks in a strong Clorox solution to sterilize them--but you must then make sure to soak that rock in clean water for 2 days to remove all the Clorox before putting it in the tank. Pet store rocks are far too expensive--and they are beautiful rocks to be found right outside your door or in the woods. Also do not use conglomerate rocks (rocks that look like they have many other different kinds of little rocks within it. Stick with slate, or granite--but slate is best, you may even be able to find slate in some stores that deal with patio remodeling. Good luck! My 8 year old cichlid just loves his slate caves!

Answer 3

First I just want you to know if you hear anything that sums up all cichlids in one shot, it's not true. There are many cichlids that prefer to keep to open water, and many more that prefer the cover of plants to caves and rocks. It always helps a ton to talk about species, rather then cichlids in general.


You can use any types of rocks you want, as long as there is no metal in them. If you find them outside, just wash them well. I buy my rocks from a nearby rock cutter for 12 cents a pound (vs. $2.50 a pound at the fish store).

When keeping cichlids from softer waters, the vinegar test is good because it indicates calcium carbonate, which can raise the water perameters.

If you are keeping Malawi cichlids, then you've probably got some true rock dwellers (unless you have the large open water Haps JohnV is talking about) and rockscaping is perfect for them. In this case the vinegar test is absolutely useless because that fizzing indicates calcium carbonate - something very good for Rift lake cichlid water.

I use Limestone for my Malawi tank. I use granite and driftwood and fake plants for my Nicaraguan cichlid tank.

Answer 4

Many answers that are half right. Best way to sterilize the rocks that pass the vinegar test is to boil them for about 10 minutes. Next best is to put them on a cookie sheet and "cook" at 450 F or higher for about the same period of time. Always worked for me. DO NOT use detergent or other cleanser. Don't use rocks with holes, no matter how small.

Answer 5

Too use rocks from just anywhere you must first determine whether they will dissolve in your tank. This is done with vinegar. If the rocks you pick up have calcium(limestone) in them they will slowly dissolve in your tank and do weird stuff to the pH. You will also have to learn how to sterilize the material. It's not an easy process,so do some research before you go throwing just any old rock in the tank.

Answer 6

I would just get rocks from the fish store,you are taking a chance adding rocks from outside that they could mess up your water if you add the wrong kind.Here are some ideas for making hiding places for your cichlids if you are interesting in making some things for them:
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_caves.php
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_pvc_cave.php
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_pvc_caves.php
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_cichlid_cave.php

Answer 7

you can do both. The ones in the store are probably safer just because rocks from outside if not properly washed might pollute your tank and maybe affect your fish.

I'd wash the rocks in mild detergent and rinse them off really good. After putting them in, note the quality of the water and the fish. If they're fine after 48 hours, then they're probably fine.

Answer 8

I have always gone down to the creek bed and gotten neat looking rocks. Give them a good scrub with no cleaner and go. My tank is a maze of caves and Stonehenge outcroppings!

Answer 9

you could do both.
but I would clean the ones from outside really well, and I boil outside rocks before putting them in mine.

Answer 10

If you use rocks from outside, drop a bit of vinegar on one of them. If it dissolves do not put it in your tank, but if there is no reaction then chuck em in!! (after rinsing off vinegar!)