Thursday, December 30, 2004
UPPING THE ANTE
I noticed today that my 10g tank, with all its lush low-light anubias and java fern, has only 7 tetras to enjoy it. So, I dropped by Justin's place and asked him what would make pretty, peaceful additions to the tank. He recommended cichlids.
I came home with six cichlids. Three Apistogramma "Opal" cichlids, 1 male and 2 female. And 3 Dicrossus filamentosa Checkerboard cichlids, 1 male, 2 female.
They're big by tetra standards, but are really only 1.5-2 inches long, with the males being longer, bulky, and brightly colored.
The 10g was cruising on a pretty high pH, just shy of 8, which is too hard for cichlids. I've buffered the tank water and, through one of Justin's homemade drip instruments, am raising the pH of the new fish's store water.
From what I've learned, cichlids like their water soft and slightly acidic. The tetras will adjust happily to lower pH. More as the newbies settle in.
I came home with six cichlids. Three Apistogramma "Opal" cichlids, 1 male and 2 female. And 3 Dicrossus filamentosa Checkerboard cichlids, 1 male, 2 female.
They're big by tetra standards, but are really only 1.5-2 inches long, with the males being longer, bulky, and brightly colored.
The 10g was cruising on a pretty high pH, just shy of 8, which is too hard for cichlids. I've buffered the tank water and, through one of Justin's homemade drip instruments, am raising the pH of the new fish's store water.
From what I've learned, cichlids like their water soft and slightly acidic. The tetras will adjust happily to lower pH. More as the newbies settle in.
Comments:
Hi there,
Glad to see you're updating again! I've loved tracking your aquariums through your blog for the last six months.
I keep cichlids as well; I have two 12 gallon aquariums with a pair of Apistogramma cacatuoides in each tank. Cichlids are addictive!!
I'd be inclined to say that you may have major aggression problems in your tank with that many cichlids. Females will often spar among themselves, and you can expect the males to fight consistently as they get older. The rule of thumb for stocking cichlids is usually only one pair or trio per ten gallons. A little sparser than the schooling fish.
Check out www.cichlid-forum.com if you haven't already. It boasts a thriving message board, lots of articles, product reviews, and a photo contest. I think you'd really enjoy it!
Anyway, kudos on your new cichlids! Apistogramma are my favorite freshwater fish. ^_^
Glad to see you're updating again! I've loved tracking your aquariums through your blog for the last six months.
I keep cichlids as well; I have two 12 gallon aquariums with a pair of Apistogramma cacatuoides in each tank. Cichlids are addictive!!
I'd be inclined to say that you may have major aggression problems in your tank with that many cichlids. Females will often spar among themselves, and you can expect the males to fight consistently as they get older. The rule of thumb for stocking cichlids is usually only one pair or trio per ten gallons. A little sparser than the schooling fish.
Check out www.cichlid-forum.com if you haven't already. It boasts a thriving message board, lots of articles, product reviews, and a photo contest. I think you'd really enjoy it!
Anyway, kudos on your new cichlids! Apistogramma are my favorite freshwater fish. ^_^
By the way, are your "opal" cichlids actually Apistogramma borelli "opal"? If so, I agree, they are amazingly beautiful fish!
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