African Cichlids Suitable For Beginner?

[peterclarke666]

liquid test kit arrived and my PH is 8.2. that should be perfect for cichlids shouldn't it? if i decide to get normal tropical fish will bogwood bring it down low enough or if i put bogwood in with cichlids will it lower it too much?

bogwood will only bring it down so far ... not much .... either peat will do this although it cloggs up filters ... that and alder cones or almond leaves .... failing that r.o water

i wouldnt use ph buffer as its a chemical and can cause ph crashes ... that and when you stop using it thats when you encounter the problems

 

[jamesmacc]

if i add a piece of bogwood is it likely to lower the Ph enough thats its not suitable for malawis, i.e like 7?

 

[peterclarke666]

if i add a piece of bogwood is it likely to lower the Ph enough thats its not suitable for malawis, i.e like 7?

depends on the size and the tanins it releases (black water extract)