...from getting enough food? I just got a fish tank yesterday, with 3 small African cichlids and a few bottom feeders (or janitor fish, as I like to call them). The janitors include a clown loach, 2 spined loaches and a small bristlenose plecko. I have those pretty blue flat accent marbles on the bottom of the tank (along with a little cave ornament and a plastic plant). I also have an air pump that I put on everyday for about an hour just to keep the water from becoming stagnant. Anyway, my question is, is it ok to have those flat accent marbles on the bottom of the tank (in regards to the janitors)? Obviously, some of the food and junk that they feed on does go into the small cracks and crevices created by the marbles, but should they still be ok? I'm worried that the marbles will hinder the bottom feeders from getting to enough food. I know they're just fish but I'm an animal lover nonetheless and I think letting an animal starve to death is so cruel! But maybe I'm just being silly. Let me know what you think! I would prefer answers only from people who actually know what they're talking about when it comes to fish, haha. Thanks!
I can't just have a plain glass bottom, what type of "bedding" should i put on the bottom of the aquarium? Would those small, generic rocks you get in the fish section be fine?
Ian, I appreciate your answer, though I did a lot of research and all the literature I read on cichlids said they would be compatible with loaches. And if I need to get a filter, that's fine, I will. The fish are getting along fine though. Also, I took most of the marbles out, I just have a few scattered for some accent. Thanks!
I can't just have a plain glass bottom, what type of "bedding" should i put on the bottom of the aquarium? Would those small, generic rocks you get in the fish section be fine?
Ian, I appreciate your answer, though I did a lot of research and all the literature I read on cichlids said they would be compatible with loaches. And if I need to get a filter, that's fine, I will. The fish are getting along fine though. Also, I took most of the marbles out, I just have a few scattered for some accent. Thanks!