Setting up an African Cichlid Breeding Tank (...I fixed my rack)

Hi everyone! Last week I uploaded a video setting up my new aquarium rack for my breeding tank and quarantine tanks. So it turned out there was a LOT of work that needed to be done... I took into account your comments, and have made some updates to the rack. I really hope you enjoy the video and seeing the initial phases of this tank get setup!
I forgot to mention I will add some lids to this tank because African Cichlids jump, it's always a good idea to have lids. I think we will have some fry very soon :)
*Also the plant I added is Pothos not Anubias
Timestamps:
0:57 - The almost disaster
2:55 - At Bunnings choosing shelving for my aquarium rack
3:37 - Choosing padding for the tanks
5:31 - Finn from Atlas Aquariums helping me move the tank
5:59 - About Finn's trip to Lake Tanganyika
6:39 - Water resistance for the shelves and padding
7:22 - Hanging the Chihiros lights
8:36 - The new setup (much stabler)
9:34 - My Leleupi breeding pair
10:06 - Seeding my filter for instant cycle
11:41 - Adding some Pothos (NOT ANUBIAS) to my tank
13:46 - Scaping the tank with rocks
15:28 - Update on my mollies in the pond
15:54 - Things to consider for aquarium rack safety
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Happy fish keeping :D

[@nitesh_am]

Looks much safer and sturdier now. Looking forward to seeing the upcoming videos

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊🙏🙏 I definitely think it's much safer now!

[@touchthesun2448]

Good job... I'm glad to see you putting the wood in to help distribute the weight. Soon you will have to put a couch or a Futon in there so you can sit back and watch the fish. I have a chair for each of my tanks!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😄 Lol I was thinking the same!! I think I just might end up doing something like that 🤣

[@sparehead2163]

You could use the treadmill Kaity😂

[@Kaityscichlids]

@@sparehead2163 I have a mirror to the right of it and literally realised yesterday now I can run on the treadmill and look at my tanks 😂 the perfect combo

[@PabloConcrete]

Surely we need you to have an interview with Finn about his adventure in Tanganyika and meeting with Ad Konings, please!

[@Kaityscichlids]

I think that would be a fabulous idea!!

[@paulm0573]

You can buy those storage racks which come with the masonite base included at Bunnings. I’ve got 2 x 4ft storage racks which cost me around $70 each and did not have to go through the trouble or expense of buying plywood sheets separately and cutting them to size or painting them with waterproof liquid. The shelves are strong enough to hold 4 x 1ft or a 3ft tank. I also have that same black rubber padding on the floor in front of my racks and they are definitely water proof and easy on the knees when I need to kneel while doing water changes or having a closer look at my tanks. I applaud your commitment in making the setup structurally better though and can’t wait to see the breeding tank setup.

[@adeelrahman7122]

So proud of you to do things sensibly. Cant wait to watch next video 😊

[@Grumen67]

Fantastic Katie, Looks a lot more sturdy with the ply wood added on the shelves. Exciting times ahead for yourself with the breeding plans of your African Cichlid’s.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊🙏 Very very exciting times 😁

[@pascoerusso8615]

Hi Kaity , great work on reinforcing the bottoms of the racks , the tank set up looks nice keep it up ..🤗👍

[@stephenmurray4504]

Found the easiest way to remove sand and gravel from the bottom of fish tank,plastic dustpan does not scratch the bottom of the tank,great posts.

[@Kaityscichlids]

That is a good tip!!

[@75keg75]

@@Kaityscichlids vacuum hose too. Just pour water back in till all the sand is out then dump the water. Then dustpan and towels. If a small tank and it has boards underneath you can tilt. But it is risky…

[@markr9984]

Great work Kaity. Looking forward to see what happens with your new set up. Hello from Adelaide.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much Mark 😊🐟🐟

[@fishmunga1014]

So glad to see you taking some viewer's advice, you made the right decision. Am loving watching your channel grow Kaity, dilly dilly. :)

[@Fyreblade2000]

Looking good Kaity!!!! You've given me some ideas for my setup. Thanks for sharing!!

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's great to hear!! 😁 Thank you!!

[@davidwatson1460]

Much better. Great job.

[@iain2070]

Looking good, keep enjoying what your doing..

[@travisrichards6181]

Great work!! The tank is looking amazing too! Yet another great video! Thank you for the uploads, Kaity! I know it isn’t always easy, but you’re killing it! 😊

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much Travis 😁🙏🙏

[@MikeD23]

Looks great, good work! Lucky fish loads of room!

[@IronTiger84]

Great color choice on the pad 🤩‼️ This new addition to your garage looks amazing and a great use of that space 🙌🐠🐟‼️

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you heaps Joey 😊🙏

[@sharonduvall7286]

Looking good! Cant wait to see what else you do with it!😊❤

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you!! 😁

[@SecoyaHomeAquatics065]

tank looks well supported now ....good job....can't wait to see the fish in it

[@canuck728]

It is great that you are tyaking in considerations , it create a community and support. Well done 👍👍😊😊

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊🙏🙏🙏

[@LumberHoward]

I am glad I watched these videos. I have looked at those same racks in the US. I had the same idea of adding tanks. After watching yours I would cut 3/4” (19 mm) plywood to fit the shelves. If it continues to sag, add more bracing under the shelves.

[@reggie2803]

That looks much sturdier. I’m so glad that you didn’t wait too long to change it.

[@ianolbison1363]

Great job looks much more fish safe now.

[@jamiehoney9889]

Hi from the UK Kaity, luv watching your videos and luv seeing your cheeky little bird. Keep up the good work.👌🔥👌🔥

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊😊 Laila says hi! 🦜

[@dalejones4186]

Beautiful job Kaity. Thank you. I myself learned the hard way to do this.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 🙏 I was definitely lucky it didn't end up worse!

[@fishmunga1014]

Hey Kaity, if you know someone handy you might be able to get yourself some strips of metal & bolt on to the sides of your rack for your bracing. I love the magnetic feed ring for your plant, what a groovy idea. Love your work mate. :)

[@ricksallotment5923]

I can't wait to see more. Looking fabulous so far x

[@ricksallotment5923]

Your sump video was really insightful. Those fx6 need there impeller changing anualy and there 50 pounds. I'd definitely have mentioned that tbf

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you very much 😊🙏 and that's a good point about the FX6 impellers too!

[@chelmsford6774]

Kaity, so exciting watching your journey with the new build. We learn from talking to folks who might have valuable knowledge. Sharing has always been an important part of the fish-keeping community. It looks much better. I just built more racks and I'm super paranoid about racks and weigh so I anchored it to a stud in the wall over diagonal supports. Good luck, love your video's it's becoming Summer here in Nova Scotia Canada, good luck with your winter.

[@Kaityscichlids]

That is definitely a good idea!! And thank you so much 😊 It must be nice for you guys finally going into Summer over there! ☀️

[@thisadventure1306]

Beautiful ❤

[@anthonyeveler4820]

Awesome video good job your fish are so lucky to have you as your owner glad the rack is more stable looks very good.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊🙏

[@markfranklin8831]

Great job

[@sfephenmarkham1917]

Girl you are Killin IT!!! so fun to watch your honest and real process...keep up the awesomeness! I always save your vids for sunday coffee...lol

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😁😁 Sunday coffee is the best!!

[@stefanhakansson7316]

Very good work, turned out great, thanks for letting us watch 🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊🙏

[@briansimpson1807]

Absolutely love the new tank rack glade you put something under them. Your videos are so amazing and educational keep up the great work that your doing.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊🙏🙏

[@jimmyhfishes]

Looks great...

[@KoolBeans426]

I have anchored mine to the wall, extremely stable!

[@jamiehoney9889]

Much better job Kaity and looks amazing. Can't wait to c babies in there.🔥👌🔥👌

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊😊😊

[@shaneharris3402]

Great work . The colour of the foam really looks good

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😄 I really like it too!

[@betta_rws]

Amazing ❤

[@dannyaquatics]

Great work Kaity looking great.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊

[@MikeSmith-ub5xy]

Looking much better Kaity ... however it would better if you add a intake sponges on your Tidal HOB filter, the fry would easily be sucked into that filter ... cheers

[@Kaityscichlids]

I will definitely do this! Thank you!!

[@JamesWon6]

Looking good, nice job

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊🙏

[@user-bg5uo8hz6g]

WELL DONE!!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😄

[@Adyxss]

looks much better, a job well done. all the best with the breeding project.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊🙏

[@scottking2821]

OMG, Kaity. I’m soo glad you fixed the rack. I was so worried it was going to end in disaster. Much better. 😊

[@Kaityscichlids]

It's soooo much better now! 🤣

[@scottking2821]

@@Kaityscichlids Excellent. I had a very close call once, with a stand that wasn’t sturdy enough. I caught it as it was starting to buckle. I’m still not sure how the tank didn’t crack. 🫣

[@garageaquatics2023]

Hi Finn! I really like that tank, Kaity. The dimensions are fantastic. I know I'll sleep better with the rack update. 🙂I'm guessing you will too. Setting up a new tank, I've even gone as far as filling half of the new tank with water from an existing tank, as well as adding filter media or squeezing out a sponge filter of something along those lines. Anything to speed up the process. Anyway, it looks great and I can't wait to see fish go in. Have a fantastic week ahead! ~Ron

[@heaven7360]

I really enjoyed the video. I love the board supports you used on the shelving. It's such a wonderful color, does the job, and a great design element on an industrial look shelving system; it's really transformed it. The tanks are off to a great start! The fish will look so beautiful in the tanks...and it's always an important element of aquarium keeping is to take into consideration safety considerations. With the boards and the weight of the tanks (in particular on the bottom level), plus the fact you won't be having threats as far as tumbling the tanks over, I think all safety concerns have been taken care of. Love seeing your bird! I have some parrots, although demanding at times they are super charming!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊🙏🙏 That sums up my thoughts exactly!! And that's so cool you have parrots too 😮 I love my little Laila 🦜

[@MakoyUnggoy]

That bird is getting to be the star of the channel haha. Fishing line is really good, the only time it will get weak and brittle is if it's in direct sunlight with the uv rays...Fishing braid is the best choice!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Ahh that is good to know! And little Laila demands to be the star 🤣🦜

[@dougiesfishroom]

Another great video

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊

[@joshm1594]

Looks good

[@Prepsical]

I love your channel so much!!!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Awww, thank you 😊🙏🙏🙏

[@26Tackle.reviews]

congrats to the setup! will have a house full in no time!

[@sharpygsxr]

Absolutely fantastic upgrades to the racking, you can feel a lot more confident in that now. Also really looking forward to see how the leleupi get on in the new tank. Ive a similar thing in my 40gallon at the moment which has a mixture of peacocks, mbuna and some fairy cichlids. The fairy cichlids are breeding like crazy and ive recently bought a new 5 ft tank to move the peacocks and mbuna into so hopefully the fairy cichlid babies will survive.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊🙏 Yes I'm feeling much better about it now!! And that's so exciting 😄 I love fairy cichlids, they're so gorgeous. Hopefully you have some luck with your babies

[@sparehead2163]

So glad u fixed that - great job GREAT DAD

[@Kaityscichlids]

😊😊😊

[@stephenevans7884]

Another amazing video. So good to see someone having the struggles I have. So many youtubers hide all that stuff.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you!! Ohhhh yes, trust me, it's struggle city over here most the time 🤣🤣

[@flea427]

Nice work !! Awesome books too. marine ply is what I have used for stands so that's a good option too . Trial and error Kaity looks good though

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😁

[@noelmangion6316]

Hi Kaity it looks great I’m glad 😌 you put the wood on the Stand the tank looks great another great video keep them videos coming can’t wait 😜 for the next one Kaity ❤

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😁🙏🙏❤️

[@insainbassist]

The yellow foam looks great with the black shelving

[@ReallyMuerto]

great job Kaity

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😄🙏

[@rikdaruler1]

Its looking good .Don't worry about the top heavy part if the shelf is level and you add some L brackets to the top and bolt into the wall( preferably a stud) with some Lag screws everything will be fine

[@Skiddols]

Looks good. Doesn't matter how long you have been a fish keeper you're always learning. The fishing line is fine. Anything 40 pound test or higher last forever.

[@geena8414]

You're rack looks great!

[@Frank-sr1dz]

Hey once again your aquarium looks great keep up the hard work have a great day and be safe. 💯🐬🐬🐬❤️❤️🌹🌹

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊🙏🙏🙏

[@Frank-sr1dz]

@@Kaityscichlids ✌️✌️🐬🐬🐬💯💯🌹

[@brianp6180]

That will do the job Kaity! Looks solid now. Good choice of filter too. In my opinion that Seachem tidal is the best hang on back filter.

[@Kaityscichlids]

I'm really liking it so far!! It's nice and quiet

[@Jan007524]

Tank looks great, keep up the good work 😎

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊🙏

[@Craig.catfish]

I'm glad you took it down and put boards up noone wants to clean there pride up of the floor hun x

[@juliaforsyth8332]

Unfortunately I can't keep fish so get my fix watching your channel as I love the Cichlids. Amazing footage of the fish in their natural habitat. Learning a lot from you so maybe one day starting with easy fish.But I know I will want one or two or three or....... more tanks!

[@Kaityscichlids]

I hope you will get to one day! It definitely does end up that way though 🤣

[@odanhammer]

the wood while helping, also visually makes the rack look nicer. looking forward to seeing how the rack comes together. So nice rack! 😅😂

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😁😁

[@forestpassion4464]

i love it and i like the color of the pad under aquarium and everything look beautiful you did great setup I'm exciting to see the next video have a wonderful day 🐡🐟💕🐠

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so so much 😊🙏🙏

[@blokecalledboof]

I'm glad you sorted the shelving issue, one thing I'd like to add is Zip ties are razor sharp when cut and you're safer to cut it flush.

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's a good point!!

[@lynnrobertson4657]

Hi Kaity tank looks amazing so happy with the upgrade of the shelves your tanks will be fine .🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊🙏🙏 I sure hope so!!

[@tienkwaiho6868]

Good job & simple nice 👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊😊😊

[@tenmillionvolts]

If you want to add strength, you could also add small flat steel triangles at each shelf junction. This keeps the rack looking nice but adds good strength. I don't think you will have to worry though. It is a fairly good sturdy design. Just make sure you keep all shelves in it since they are part of the structural integrity. Looking great!

[@MickS77]

Looks much less sketchy now 👏

[@Kaityscichlids]

That is a good description 🤣

[@Baelroak]

Awesome, hopefully can buy some fish you breed one day 👍

[@icarlsw34]

Looks really good. If you want diagonal stability you could just take another piece of the plywood and screw it to the back of the stand. It wouldn't even have to cover the whole stand to add some stability.

[@tcosmanl9246]

Perfect tanks , crazy fish kaity😅❤

[@Kaityscichlids]

🐟🐟🐟

[@MikeFish316]

Nice looking tank Kaity!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😄

[@timm1647]

👍😁🤙 sturdy

[@freecuddles100]

Cute bird

[@dixsigns1717]

So much better Kaity

[@hsnozgr]

Great video! Loving this new set up but I would probably choose black foam with the black shelving. It would look more sleek in my opinion.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😁 I think black would look nice too! I'm just a sucker for colour 🤣

[@michaeldressler8194]

As usual you do a phenomenal job. Just a tip. Use sponge or foam on your filter inlet which prevents the fry from being sucked up or sand. Which you much success in raising fish. The hard part will be finding them homes where others give them as good an environment as you give them.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much!! That is a great tip, I will definitely do that 😊 I hope they will find great little homes 🐟🐟🐟

[@brunocline9410]

Awesome tank I have peacocks as well

[@Evilmitchaquatics]

Great video nice work 🙏 . The plant is pothos but we knew what u meat 😂

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you!! I realised after I uploaded it and was like oh nooooo 🤣

[@rhondafitzpatrick1646]

good job! I can sleep better tonight!

[@Kaityscichlids]

😊😊😊

[@Sophia1a1]

Your videos are better than The Cichlid Bros.

[@eyeinthesky74]

Much better kaity...the mat colour gives a nice contrast....you can sleep well now😂

[@Kaityscichlids]

I really like it too!! I can definitely sleep much better now and feel safe breathing next to the tank 🤣

[@eyeinthesky74]

@@Kaityscichlids yes it was worth the extra effort..there was alot of pressure on the corners of the tank.....adding more rock might of cracked it over time so you done the right thing....I wish I lived in Australia, I would be searching for rainbow fish for sure...well,sweet dreams and no fish tank nightmares 💦🤣🇬🇧🇦🇺

[@zlamanit]

8:20 You should get one of these beer bellies. I got one and it's super useful for carrying stuff. 100% recommend

[@Kaityscichlids]

🤣🤣🤣

[@johnwoodall3791]

That's great, Well done on doing something to Distribute the weight, I thought at first of cross beaming in an X like shape between the four legs to link each vertical leg with added support in a diagonal manner with making the legs immoveable and adding strength to the centre area of each Shelf. Good luck, Should be great to follow. Regards.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much John 😊🙏🙏

[@-SWE-StarLord]

Very nice, beware if the stones arent on bottom glass so when the fish digs it can fell on glass and brake the tank

[@wathiknoori5640]

Hi, thank u for all the videos,I am watching most of them, and I think u should use the (Copley 1200 x 595 x 17mm Formrite Formply) from Bunnings it’s much stronger and more water resistant..and I think cheaper.

[@donivanstryker1340]

Might want to add some dither fish in with your Neolamprologus leleupi. The male can become very aggressive towards the female if she doesn't want to breed. Right now in your big tank the male is too busy keeping other fish away from the cave and the female to be aggressive towards her.

[@jamesdonoghue6371]

Awesome tank rack Katy, if you want any super easy to grow small Java fern attaching plant for the new projects I am personally 99% certain Fin from Atlas has a large amount of Java Fern plantlets that one of his customers, myself, traded in 1.5 weeks ago, I'm sure if you asked nicely he probably give you some! All your tanks look amazing I especially love the Tanganyika tank!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Ooooo, that sounds like a great idea! 😁😁 Thank you heaps 😊🙏

[@SergioBernardoAlmi]

Much better. It would be nice to paint the back ground black fish will love it also you need to cover the intake to prevent it from sucking the Fry …Good luck with the breeding love

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊🙏

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

It may come out in the wrong way, but I do think that you have a fine rack there. 😉 Puns aside. The rack looks fine and stable and the floorboards will undoubtly add enough strenght to the rack. As you said yourself, you’re not going to climb around at the shelves. Looking forward to be following your new aquarium room.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Yes I definitely think it's much stabler now!! Sadly for me no climbing the racks though 🤣 Thank you heaps 😊😊

[@jtaka1453]

Whew! Thank you. I'm pretty sure the tank would have cracked would you have left the tank like it was. Looking forward to seeing your Leleupi breed.

[@richardportelli1983]

I use yoga matts for under tanks, cheap and works

[@Truth-Machine5000]

If you are worried about the stability, get a flat piece of metal drill a hole and bolt/screw it to the racks back post and up and behind the garage door slide. You can get creative using the garage doors track as an anchor.

[@FranNoesse]

Better safe than sorry.. People care about you.

[@DuzzyDobbin]

That’s better I think. I’m doing similar with mine except I’m using marine ply. I got some flat steel painted black and bolted some diagonal bracing on the back and the ends. I think you meant pothos not Anubias 😜 Can’t wait to see what’s next. Great content. Regards Duzzy🇦🇺

[@Kaityscichlids]

I definitely meant Pothos 😭🤣 What you're doing with your sounds super solid! Thank you heaps Duzzy 😊🙏

[@DuzzyDobbin]

@@Kaityscichlids your welcome. All the best with the breeding project. Regards Duzzy🇦🇺