Well, I've learned that the cichlids -- both species -- don't care for pellet food. They like frozen bloodworms and adore freeze-dried brine shrimp. Even the big male Apistogramma came out of his little cave to get jiggy with the frantic tetras.

The first pic is of the male Checkerboard cichild. He's very cool, intrepid -- a load of fun to watch. The 2nd and 3rd pics are of the large male Opal cichlid. He's a beast at 4 times the size of a tetra, but is as mild-mannered as John Goodman. He's fiercely beautiful when he comes into the full light. I tried to capture his colors, but could only shoot him in dim parts of the tank. I'll sneak up on the little bastard, yet.

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.