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Question:

Filter problem in African Cichlid tank?

I have a ten gallon fish tank with 1 yellow lab, 1 kenyi and 2 peacocks. They are still only about 1.5 - 2 inches. We set up the ten gallon 2 weeks ago with a dolomite gravel as the substrate. We washed it out for a good hour before adding it to the tank but 2 weeks later the water is still cloudy and there is sediment on the surface of the water. We also have a few slate rocks used for caves and a single piece of coral. Do we need a more powerful filter? We have a Whisper 10 filter.

Answer:

That is insane. The size of these fish is partly an issue, but cichlids have a HUGE bio-load. You are going to cause these fish harm keeping them this way, if not just kill them off. You need a much more powerful filter on a much larger tank. Why would you do this? Obviously you had to look up a few things on cichlids to know to use crushed coral.
It increases the MPG and HP, as far as the 'average' gain. 8-12 %. Re-do the exhaust also (cat back) this helps with MPG HP also.
This is normal with the dolomite. Do a few extra water changes and it will clear up. The 10 gallon is fine for now, but in a few weeks you will need to upgrade to a larger tank or you will just have 1 fish left! With the fish you mentioned you will need a 55 gallon. Have fun with the cichlids, their awesome.
Increase fuel consumption. Waste of money.
Don't put anytime into a temporary tank like that You might as well get them the minimum size tank they need which about 50 gallons right away. you were planning to do that? your not that retarded you planned to keep them in that tank more than a few months?

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