435 Gallon AMERICAN Cichlid Tank vs 240 Gallon AFRICAN Cichlid Tank

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Comparing my two biggest tanks -- the HUGE American cichlid tank vs the BIG African cichlid tank. I'll be looking at aquarium builds, decor, fish and more. At the end I'll tell you which one is my absolute favorite.
Cichlid Charmer is dedicated to sharing the joy of keeping African cichlids and American cichlids and sharing information about them. Much of my content is not cichlid fish specific, however. It also pertains to all tropical fish aquariums. I will share what I have learned about cichlids and other fish, and everyone is welcomed to comment with their own experiences and information about fish and aquarium practices in general.
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00:00 - Intro
00:17 - Aquarium Builds
05:51 - Decor
08:56 - Filtration
12:20 - Stocking
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• African Cichlid Genera...
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21 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 98

@CichlidCharmer 16 дней назад

So which is your favorite? Also, what’s your favorite type of cichlid?

@HapiPETSWM 16 дней назад

I love them both! I lean towards peacock and haps because I deal with them so much and I know you didn’t show your Mbuna tank but the way they sort themselves into little gangs is special. The arrangement you have in san Quinton is very nice and the tree limb decor is yet to play its part if you ask me, it’s gorgeous don’t get me wrong. And Alcatraz is a tad under decorated in my opinion, I have Tons of rock stacked and a tree stump assorted in mine. It’s not for everyone it’s ok everyone does it different and that’s where both seeing and knowing other tanks look different that gives both perspective and appreciation, some make you dream others make you feel at home and some make you run away! In any case there are no rules as long as the fish are happy and healthy! 😊❤

@debbiedowns1437 16 дней назад

Great video. I kept Africans for over 20 yrs. Primarily Mbuna. Recently went back to SA and CA. I like that you can keep more in a tank, basically I now go for more fish rather than a few large showpiece cichlids. I like the increased activity and to me they don’t seem to be just doing the same laps around the tank. YMMV

@nathanwhittemore-ny9vs 11 дней назад

Panda and regular uaru of course new tank is almost up stay tuned 😜😜

@chrispatterson3110 16 дней назад

I built a 240gallon plywood tank,best thing I ever did under $1000. Probably in the direction of building another

@chrisscanlan8819 8 дней назад

Had Jack Dempseys for years and miss having tanks. Beautiful tanks you have!!

@rossdingle6236 15 дней назад

If I had to choose one it would be the big tank. Also like American cichlids more than African.

@boynton_cichlids7325 16 дней назад

Definitely the biggest tank, I would just move the African cichlids there. Love your channel.

@CichlidCharmer 16 дней назад

Thank you! I wish the Africans could have a tank that size. Thank you!!

@allendeufriend6930 14 дней назад

First time watching your video Awesome fish and it shows how much you love them

@CichlidCharmer 13 дней назад

Thank you, Allen 😎

@dadthings167 16 дней назад

I actually had this exact same question for myself last year when I got my new big tank. The bigger tank was supposed to be for the south Americans. After a couple months, I switched the Africans to the bigger tank and got more 😂 something about the crazies that you just can't get enough of. Even now, I'm thinking about switching my mbuna tank with the American. The mbuna are ruthless 😂 Another awesome video.love the work!

@CichlidCharmer 15 дней назад

That’s funny 😄. My mbuna aren’t full grown so things will change I’m sure, but right now they aren’t too aggressive. Thank you!

@nathanwhittemore-ny9vs 11 дней назад

I’ll never have too make that choice lol😜

@jeremymoore450 14 дней назад

CC, I love the Central and South American cichlids over AF Cichlids. I am not sure if you are going to get one but if you get a severum that fish is very personable and like a little water puppy also. I love how my Central and South American fish react when I am near the tank and how excited they get and follow you around. You chose some beautiful fish for Central and South American cichlids and as they get older you will see there colors pop. Your salvini looks like a female with all the yellow on the fish. Thanks for sharing this video and for the comparison video.

@CichlidCharmer 13 дней назад

I had no doubt which tank you would prefer, Jeremy lol. So I actually do have a severum. A mouth brooding severum. It is pretty small still and timid. I might have to move it over to the 180 since it isn’t growing much and the Oscar of course is growing an inch every day it feels like. I still want some geos, but I’ll have to grow them out too.

@RyanDahn 14 дней назад

Navy Submariner here 🙋🏻‍♂️! Drowning in a submarine is a scary thought. However, sumps intimidate the hell out of me and I think I’ll stick to HOBs and Canisters for now. Lol. Love your channel. Love your tanks.

@CichlidCharmer 14 дней назад

Oh man, doing the scariest job imaginable. I don’t blame you on the canisters.

@drewandres2065 15 дней назад

Alcatraz for the win

@elvinsworld11 3 дня назад

Lovely

@CichlidCharmer 2 дня назад

Thank you

@BKAqua 15 дней назад

San Quentin for sure. I can’t wait for the inmates to grow and thrive. My fav is the wild Colombian Oscar what are you going to name it? 😂

@CichlidCharmer 15 дней назад

Me too! His name is Perry, and he is growing amazingly quickly. I like the Columbian more than the other types of oscars.

@dj.excess 15 дней назад

Another great video. Love the comparisons. One day I’ll do a larger than this 150 I have. I would also not want a sump. I mean I do have diamondback turtles and not fish lol

@CichlidCharmer 15 дней назад

Thank you. 150 is still decent!

@quangmai7250 16 дней назад

Your decor is great. I love it❤😊

@CichlidCharmer 16 дней назад

I appreciate that. I’m really happy with it

@ismelsantoscruz2845 16 дней назад

No doubt that bigger is better, that's what she said!!!! U have way more possibilities with the new tank and not just with the room that is almost the doble is a long list of good stuff against the other one ,now I personally ,if we talk about the fish ,I like Africans, but the set up of course, the big one

@CichlidCharmer 16 дней назад

Thanks! Africans are really cool, but I’m all about these Americans right now. Who knows, maybe that’ll change. I’ll never buy another acrylic.

@johnjr47 15 дней назад

My favor San Quentin !!!!

@CichlidCharmer 15 дней назад

Awesome mine too!

@davonne58 12 дней назад

I Love your videos, I think I've watched them all i think. You crack me up man. I usually watch kaveman kev and I found you a few months ago when I jumped to a 125 I got for an anniversary gift in April from a 30... something gal. I'm a lunatic and went mbuna, hap, and peacock in the 125. At least that's what I ordered and . Love it anyway. Favorite cichlid: I've found that I'm partial to the OB variety and have trouble finding them at a price I can afford. Looking forward to much more from you sir! Be well!

@CichlidCharmer 12 дней назад

Thank you so much! Wow, from a 30 to a 125 - you gotta be ecstatic about that. And all those cool cichlids. The joy of setting up a new tank is addicting. OBs are gorgeous, but they know it and like to beat everyone up. At least they are likely to. Thanks again!

@ESUSAMEX 16 дней назад

I am a fan of South and Central American cichlids. I like their size and color. If I had the money and time, I would get a massive-- 1000 gallon or more-- tank for American cichlids. I also like some fish from Africa which act like American cichlids. A Starry Night cichlid is a perfect example. If I were to get an African cichlid tank, I would get an Mbuna tank so that I could do some rock work. On the type of tank, I would go with glass. The idea of having scratches in a tank that costs a ton of money is insane to me. I do not like buying new cars for this very same reason. The filter would depend of the fish. But I also want quiet tanks. I will have to see and hear the difference before finally deciding.

@CichlidCharmer 16 дней назад

That is such a well thought-out response. Thank you for your comment!

@HapiPETSWM 16 дней назад

There cannot be only 1! There must be many! Great breakdown of the different types of tanks! And for sure scratches drive me crazy but it’s like a pair of sunglasses, once there out even the air scratches them, dumb Oakley. The detail you get into with your description makes me rethink some of my tanks but ultimately they are already here. The fish look great! And you can never have enough friends when it comes to moving! Stay happy and healthy my friend!!! 😊❤

@CichlidCharmer 16 дней назад

Many tanks 😍 I’m just about out of room for cool tanks, so now I’ll have to get creative if I want more lol. Thank you!

@HapiPETSWM 16 дней назад

@@CichlidCharmerof course there is a “limit” and I won’t push you any which way you don’t want to go. I personally would have at least 10 more if I had the room. I cannot get enough of them, already at 11, down from 14, I condensed a couple, one was a mistake but only if I want to show that tank on camera, and I can’t even talk about that! Nevertheless, it’s why I like having my wife’s opinion but I don’t like her judgment calls. Everyone is fine just s#*} looking tank.

@CichlidCharmer День назад

@@HapiPETSWM Oh make no mistake, I want more, but I have run out of the space my wife has allowed me to allocate for fish. However... I have been eyeing some real estate in the garage lately lol. I'd have to figure out the cost and how to set up a chiller though, because it gets HOT in there in July and August.

@024DJF 16 дней назад

Fantastic

@CichlidCharmer 16 дней назад

Thank you!

@MiamiObi 16 дней назад

I have two 210's, 1 Central/South American and 1 peacock/Hap tank. I love them both! I love your channel as we share similar interests in this amazing hobby 😎. Question for you: Have you ever thought about keeping Discus? That may be my next project.

@CichlidCharmer 16 дней назад

Good size tanks you have there. That’s a great size for Africans. Lots of people go too small imo. I have thought of discus, but after getting bored of my angels, I think they would lose my interest. Beautiful fish though! And thank you 🙏

@deanmoser 14 дней назад

Noticed you don’t like the heater in your 240. I added an inline heater using a fx6 filter. Just had to get creative with some epoxy and pvc 😆 but works great and way more efficient!

@CichlidCharmer 14 дней назад

Good idea. I do like being able to make sure that light indicator is on though.

@simonclayton2038 2 дня назад

I have a cade 285g tank with sump & it is silent so I’m thinking there’s things you can do to quiet your tank down 👍 mine has a silencer on it so hopefully you can make something to do the same 👍 I definitely like your big tank more 👍 awesome tank’s & videos mate 👍

@CichlidCharmer 23 часа назад

Thank you. I am swapping out my pumps to the two Sicce 7.0s today, and I’ll dial in the overflows again. Hopefully that helps. I’ve never heard of a silencer for sumps.

@DerekWojcichowsky 15 дней назад

I order the torn / weathered catappa leaves and my South Americans ate them, I think it was the uarus or severums. Just an FYI.

@CichlidCharmer 15 дней назад

Wait a second - they are fake leaves from Aquadecor?

@stefanosahretis5075 15 дней назад

Hi mate, there both lovely tanks , and I’d happily own both of them but as for fish it’s the nut jobs that I’d rather have if I had to choose. Here in Australia we don’t have those brand of tanks. It took me over a year looking for a tank l liked and in the end I settled for a petworx 210 glass . I also have 2x fx6 plus a third filter 1400lt with a spray bar. Not a sump person but would try one one day.

@CichlidCharmer 15 дней назад

Thanks, man. I really like them both, but the Americans are a step above. At least right now. Maybe it’s because they are new, so we will see

@dustinmatlock 9 дней назад

What’s your opinion on feeding fish every other day? I heard it could extend their lifespan, save money, and also time obviously…

@pollylewis9611 16 дней назад

Aw Hi Zeke the man, OK, now how in the world can a person pick which tank they like the best, I love them both! I have had both acrylic and glass tanks and I like glass for they are easier for me to keep clean, and I don't break out in a sweaty heartache worrying about scratching glass. I love fish of all kinds thou I do get mad at some of the meaner jerks so it's hard for me to choose, but I'll always go with Oscars they can be mean and also be big bubba's that interact with you. Thank you for showing us the difference in both of these tanks and how each are set up, I love to put plants into my tanks and like you say they get munched on and get pulled out ending up floating on top of the water, or just die because I looked at them, so they are a hassle.. .thanks again David you have kept me loving tanks.

@CichlidCharmer 15 дней назад

Hi Polly! Thanks for liking both of them. I look back at early Alcatraz and I much prefer it now over then. I think the two tanks are a good compliment to each other. Very different! Glad you’re back into weirdo fish again, Polly.

@larryeans4072 15 дней назад

I have been obsessing getting back into the nut job Africans like Elongatus, Auratus and all the psychos. However, after seeing your Haps and Peacocks I am really torn. Building a new 240 and I am starting to think the challenge every time someone has to be rescued, needing a lot more rocks and caves, I could spend weekends redecoration just to save someone. You really have me in a great place though. Sand, rocks, love the wood, so many options. I will be rewatching a lot of your videos as I get closer to pick up on your successes, places for decor and types of substrate that won’t break the bank. When I heard you using 3 F6’s, I heard the register ringing. What’s better than 2? 3! Thanks for the videos. You are my go to at chill time.

@CichlidCharmer 15 дней назад

Exciting times for you. DIY’s wonderful starting a new tank and deciding what you’d like to stock it with. Thank you so much!

@dascudder 14 дней назад

Alkatraz FTW

@CichlidCharmer 14 дней назад

Thank you, Paul.

@SCRAT246. 10 дней назад

Mostly beautiful African cichlid tank on RU-vid❤ How’s the mbuna?

@CichlidCharmer 10 дней назад

Thanks, Sam! The mbuna are doing great, despite my neglect while the new tank project has been underway. I need to get them more rocks.

@MrRonnydollar 16 дней назад

is the plant on top of the tank help reducing your nitrate level? if yes I would like to know how you set it up. and how frequently you do water change now.

@CichlidCharmer 15 дней назад

Mine really isn’t doing that much to help. It would probably be better if I had more light on it. It should be growing faster than it is too. I do a 75% water change weekly in the 240. A 50% on the 180.

@sirgerbilmacintosh9101 16 дней назад

I've never had an acrylic tank but it seems like the scratches would negatively affect the clarity, at least to some degree.

@CichlidCharmer 15 дней назад

Not so far, but maybe eventually

@BillB8 4 дня назад

I have multiple sumps and multiple canister filters, i prefer sumps BECAUSE they are quieter i dont know how you have your sump or overflows setup but they can be 100% silent while canisters always have a low (hum) to them

@CichlidCharmer 23 часа назад

Thanks for the input. I’ll be working on it today. Hopefully I can dial this thing in and get it quiet. I bet the two Sicce 7.0 pumps will help too.

@BillB8 3 часа назад

@@CichlidCharmer What kind of drain setup are you running on the overflows of the sump? Herbie? Bean animal ? Or just a single durso pipe ?

@CichlidCharmer Час назад

@@BillB8 It's a herbie. I'd go bean animal next time.

@sc4816 16 дней назад

But acrylic gets yellow over time right?

@CichlidCharmer 16 дней назад

That’s a very good question and when I haven’t researched. I keep mine out of direct sunlight for the most part, so I think it would take quite a while for that to happen.

@shaunmarshall4504 2 дня назад

What's that beautiful fish as 12:15, blue striped one.

@CichlidCharmer 2 дня назад

That’s my electric blue Texas cichlid. Pretty awesome-looking, isn’t he?

@shaunmarshall4504 День назад

He is indeed, my favorite fish of the video, tempted to see if i can find one in the uk. Awesome videos man, keeping me entertained and educated. @CichlidCharmer

@CichlidCharmer День назад

@@shaunmarshall4504 Thank you, Shaun. Hope you can find one!

@replex86 15 дней назад

i love both as well, but my oscars are just too personable. i would have to be on the americas end myself. africans are so pretty, but at the end of the day i love my water puppies.

@tracycarter1185 16 дней назад

South and Centrals 100%

@CichlidCharmer 16 дней назад

I like that answer lol

@davonne58 12 дней назад

Also, I have a small beta tank. It's acrylic and it's somehow scratched to hell. I would not get a large acrylic. Nope!

@CichlidCharmer 12 дней назад

I feel that!!

@cichlids253 16 дней назад

I’m the opposite I will not risk hundreds of gallons of water on the ground lol acrylic for life for me use a microfiber cloth to wipe the inside of tank with won’t scratch oh wow your in Washington 👍 Lakewood here

@CichlidCharmer 16 дней назад

I bet it will scratch if you press hard enough lol. I’m actually in Idaho, but only three minutes from Washington

@Tanzaquariums 16 дней назад

Its all so very personal with fish keeping. Species, Aquascape, fake or real and the list goes on. San Quentin I like a tad more I think. I'd pass on a sump though.

@CichlidCharmer 16 дней назад

Sumps -- scary and noisy. Thanks for the comment and good to see you back