Flowerhorns tank - my first time

It's my first time setting up a freshwater tank. I want to get a flowerhorn in a 50 gallon tank. Here are my questions:

1. Most of the flowerhorn tanks I've seen are bare. No substrate nor decorations. Is it safe to put driftwood, gravel, rocks and plants in the tank? Or will the fish destroy the decorations? Or perhaps get wounded by the driftwood?

2. How often do I need to do water change? Is it 10% weekly like marine tanks?

3. What test kits should I buy?

4. What temperature should I maintain?

Thanks in advance!

 

Hi,

You can use decor, thats not an issue. I've had a flower in a 60g with normal decor, just dont pack it in.

Water changes will depend on your feeding habits and his/her size. Generally speaking, I would recommend anywhere from 10-50% weekly.

Same temp range as most tropicals (72-79 is fine)

 

Thanks for the quick reply!

 

Test kits would be ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH.

 

ammonia, nitrite, nitrate? do i need to cycle the tank just like a marine tank?

 

a lil late here, but yes, any aquarium needs an established bio filter in order to stay stable. The concept is the same pretty much as in saltwater

 

WOW - I know nothing about these fish so I just looked them up and they are GORGEOUS!!!

I am excited to see how this build comes out!!!