NEW ACQUISITION

RE-ARRANGING MY FISH-ROOM

My day didn't begin on a good note. The Yellow Lab that was holding ate all her babies. I had her in a brooding playpen hoping it would be a stress-free place for her to get used to having eggs in her mouth. Nope. Yesterday she spit them out but picked them up again. This morning she was not holding and the eggs were gone. The fry in the tank could have sucked the eggs through the mesh but they are a little young for that so I'm not going to blame them. I put mamma back in the community tank. I have decided that if/when she holds again I'll just let her do her thing in the community tank. She needs the practice more than I need her fry.

My tiny fry and my Auratus mom.

From the left Yello Lab group (20) Mixed Fry (30) 6wk fry (10)

So I decided to re-arrange my fish-room. I had a new 10 gallon which gave me a little more room. The fry that were in my 20 gallon I moved to my new 10. There are 44 fry Albino RedxReds and RedTop Zebras but they are only 6 weeks old so they have some time. Next I did water changes on all my tanks. My Auratus mom is doing really good. I just did a small water change and left her alone. Next I




did a bigger water change on my youngest fry tank. The water was a little cloudy. They are looking good and eating well. Next I worked on my 30 gallon grow-out tank. These guys are getting a nice size and I need to sell them as I'm going to need more room soon. In this tank there are Red Top Zebras, Acei and OB Peacock. I did a 50% water change, vacuumed the substrate and added a little more and them re-arranged their aqua-scape. I think they liked it. While I was at it I scooped up the Pleco in there and transferred him to my now empty 20 gallon. When I was busy doing my water change on my 55 gallon tank, I caught about 8 Yellow Labs that I want to sell and put them in the 20 so it will be easier to catch them when I sell them. That still leaves me a nice little breeding group of 2 males and 5 females.

My fishy work finished for the day I'm happy and my fish are happy... end to another day in the life of a Cichlid aquarist.

DAILY OBSERVATIONS

This morning when I was feeding my 75 gallon Cichlid community I noticed I had another Yellow Lab holding. I was so happy. The other female was holding the day before but spit or swallowed but whatever she did she was no longer holding a few hours later. I was bummed because this was the second time she lost her brood. When I saw the other one holding I got my net and caught her without too much trouble. I checked her and yes she was holding. Not a big brood but enough for her first go at it.

I had plans today so I didn't have much time to fuss with her. I set up a playpen in the corner of my fry tank and put her in there for the day until I could figure something better out. I was gone pretty much all day but she was constantly on my mind. While I was out I picked up an extra 10 gallon tank. I have 2 - 10s one with a holding mom in it the other has my newest fry babies. Then my 20 and 30 gallon tanks are also full of fry so I'm pressed to sell some or take some in to the Aquarium store just to give me more room.

When I got home I was pretty anxious to check on her. I carried the new tank and supplies I purchased up to my fish/sewing room. I plunked all my stuff down and went to check on momma. Guess what? She was in the playpen with all her little eggs around her! She spit them all out! GAH! I wasn't happy at all. I worked on setting up the new tank, moving tanks around to make room and grumbled the whole time about this dumby mommy spitting her babies. Once I had everything set up and tidied up I was considering putting her back in the community and trying to get the babies to live in my tumbler. There weren't many.. 8-9 was all but still a loss. When I looked again - mommy had picked them all back up and had her mouth full again! What a crazy girl! I am hoping she adjusts to this new experience and successfully mothers the few babies she's holding. I have decided for the time being I'm going to keep her in the playpen. I have the new tank set up and cycling but I'm not in a rush to give her more room. We'll see in a few days how she's making out.

As it turns out, the other female that I have holding is an Auratus. She is only about 5 days ahead of the Yellow Lab. I'm planning on putting their fry together. I plan on stripping them both around day 18. That is a good time and has worked for me very well. I don't want either of them spitting. It's been nothing less than an interesting day.

AQUARIUM FILTRATION: (King of DYI) - YouTube

This is one fantastic, helpful, inovative and knowlegeable Channel
It's for your benefit to check it out.

KING OF DYI - YOUTUBE

EARL ISN'T DEAD YET

This morning I decided to put Earl (my mean and nasty Auratus Male) back into my community tank. He's skating on thin ice though. If he injures one of my Cichlids it's "Good Bye Earl". I don't know why I even have him. He's been a misery to me from the start. I have two female Auratus. One is holding the other is tail-less thanks to Earl and his abuse. This will be Earl's last chance.

I was down in the basement looking at couple tanks I have sitting down there. I have a 60 gallon drilled tank and 2 - 40 gallon high tanks (I'm not a fan of high tanks). I have decided to bring one 40 gallon tank up and create a "Prison" tank. This tank will be dedicated to any aggressive, domineering, territorial males who harm any of my other Cichlids. Right now the only aggressive male that is giving me any trouble is Earl. I'll get that tank set up and he can be the first "inmate". Ha! Otherwise I have a very peaceful community. In fact Earl is pretty good until his females are back. That's mostly when he is the worst. For now he has some time while the girls are out of the tank. Hopefully he'll be good until I get the "Pen" set up.

The "Pen" as I shall call it will be very simple. I will find a few nice large rocks as statement pieces and use sand substrate and that's it. There will be no fun caves to hide in. No good places to dig. It will be the bare essentials just like in prison. Who knows - overtime it could end up being my best tank full of gorgeous nasty males. That is my plan.. I'm looking forward to setting it up now.

DAILY OBSERVATIONS

Having finally had my first "good" water test in a couple of long weeks - I got up feeling great. Things were looking up. It's amazing how it affects my mood, temperament and emotions when my fish are suffering. I can now say.. I'm happy. My fish look happy.

In fact this morning sitting over a cup of coffee watching my 75 gallon community I noticed one of my Yellow Labs was holding. "Was" is the operative word here. Within a couple hours she was no longer holding. This is the second time she's done that. The last time was her fist brood attempt and she didn't have a big mouthful so I forgave her. This time it was blatantly obvious she was holding a good size brood. I don't know if she spit or swallowed her babies but they are no longer being held. I was so disappointed I kept checking to see if I was looking at the wrong female. I only have 2fs and 1 male in the tank so I know I'm looking at the right Cichlid. She definitely lost them, not some either. She lost the whole bunch. I don't know what to do to help her. I hope she learns on her own. I have other females coming of age so I can switch her out if I really want a brood. It's just sad. Poor little eggs.

HAPPY DAY - WATER TEST GOOD

It's been over a week of testing my water parameters and doing water changes every other day. Funny how it seems like so much work but when it's for something you love - it's really a labor of love and ya just don't mind at all.

Today my granddaughter Eva was here. We did water changes together. She was quite inquisitive asking why this and why that.. like a typical 3 yr old. I felt good. I could see more spark in my community tank. The fish were just happier. I knew I had succeeded in overcoming the ammonia battle.

I was out most of the day doing things with Eva after all the work we did with the fish tanks. Then I took her home to daddy and I ran up to Al's to check on my fish ha! Silly girl. I was happy to see there were only 2 left of the 8 I took in. While I was there I purchased a few things - nope not 1 cichlid either. I also bought another Canister Filter system. As soon as I got home I popped lasagne in the oven and hooked up my new canister. Yikes I'm busting with happiness!!

After eating supper I did my water tests and they were as close to perfect that I have had in a couple weeks. I'm thrilled! They aren't quite perfect but dang near and for me it's time to celebrate. I'll do water changes every other day until Monday and then I think I'll be okay. One Happy CANADIAN Girl!!

EARL'S GOTTA DIE

Good grief.. my male Auratus is so mean! He is very abusive I'm ready to flush him down the toilet. There's a really nice "lagoon" just outside of town where he would end up and I'm sure he'd be just as happy there.

I put Earl and my two females into my breeding tank. I sold off the last of my Auratus fry so I thought I would hopefully get another brood or two from them. He's too busy pestering everyone else to pay his girls much attention in the community so having that in mind I moved them to more private accommodations.

Within hours he was shaking and showing off. He had one female holding in under 24 hours. That was two days ago. The other female he is chasing and pestering but she won't have anything to do with him. Being out all day I checked on her when I got home. Sheesh - her tail is almost gone!

I moved her into a playpen so she can heal and have some piece and Earl with be visiting the porcelain fish bowl down the hall. I am going to bed and will think about it. It seems so nasty of me but I have had it with that b****. Maybe I'll feel differently in the morning. Either way he will be leaving one way or another.

HIT FOR THE CYCLE

I have for over a week now, been fighting with my water parameters. Actually, the only one that's been giving me trouble is my ammonia. I of course went online to get advice, suggestions and support through one of my go-to info places. AFRICAN CICLIDS WORLD This is a wonderful community of like minded Cichlid enthusiasts sharing their knowledge and experience. I heartfully thank all who helped me get a handle on this issue!

Even when you "think you know it all" I have learned that times change, as do processes, discoveries are made and they all add up to moving on with the times. Some steadfast rules are now not so steadfast as newer innovated methods are continually being developed. With anything you really need to be open to change or you will be left behind.

These are the changes I made to rectify my ammonia spike.

My overstocked tank - was overstocked. I had 47 Cichlids in my 75 gallon community and now I have 33. Mind you I have a couple breeding upstairs that will be returning. Then I'll take the next group up to the playroom.

I removed 14 fish. I sold 8 and kept 6 as they were juveniles and I had a place for them. The 8 that I sold were the largest and most aggressive in my community so I figured I'd start with them. They were also my most prolific breeders and I didn't want anymore Red Top Zebra fry.

Next I purchased a EHEIM classic 250 canister filter. I had many suggestions as to what brand, size etc. I personally love the Eheim Brand. They are actually the company that developed the first canister filter system. It came all set up and was so simple to install I had it up and running in less than 15 minutes. I am so happy with my purchase that I have decided to get another one for my 55 gallon juvenile community.

I have been doing 30-40% water changes every other day and testing my water every morning except on water change day, and every evening. It is vitally important for your fish to keep a close eye on your water parameters. Your tanks can be crystal clear and yet it may be a death trap at the same time. Test, test, test - best knowledge you can glean for the health and safety of your Cichlids. I encourage you to invest in a FRESH WATER TEST KIT. It will be money well spent considering the money we invest in this hobby.

I have also been adding a cycling product to encourage bacteria development and a few drops of prime as well during my water changes. I have a couple tanks running in the basement holding my pond fish. I rinsed off the filthy filters from them (yes in tank water) and slid them into my Marineland Emperor 400 HOB filtration system of which I have two running besides my new canister.

This morning I did my water change of 40% vacuumed the visible waste and treated the new water as always. I am happy to see a change in my water parameters. There is a cycle my water parameters must go through to be rid of all three of these elements. Those being ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. The first two are toxic and detrimental to the health of your fish. Nitrate in high doses can be just as dangerous but it can be used up by plant life and removed through water changes. Also nitrates are removed by specific bio media and some chemical filtration as well so it can be managed, keeping it at a safe level until you are rid of it.

My tests are showing a decrease in ammonia, which then translates to in increase of nitrites. This is part of the cycle and must go through this process to be eliminated completely. From nitrites as they lower the nitrates increase. The only sure way of ridding your aquarium of the two nites is through repeated water changes and water testing to monitor your progress. It takes time but all good things right?

To understand the cycle

MY FISH/SEWING ROOM

MY NEWEST CICHLID PHOTOS

DAILY OBSERVATIONS

Today was a good day. I spent a little time vacuuming my tanks. There seems to be a collection depot for waste in the back corners of each of my tanks. This makes vacuuming very easy. I guess it's the water flow that sends the waste to settle in one spot.

I also did my water test for my ammonia levels earlier and could tell there is some improvement. I'll be doing my test again once more today yet just before bed. I have been adding SeaChem Cycle to help bring the ammonia down and I also put so absorbent pads in my filters. I'm doing everything I can and finally I thinks its beginning to pay off.

To end my day I had a fellow come over to purchase a few of my fry. He took the last of my Auratus and some Acei. I have one of my Auratus female holding again. I scooped her up and she's now safely in a breeding pen so Earl her abusive mate leaves her alone. I told my fry guy that I'll text his wife when I'm ready to strip her. I know she would appreciate watching since they are fairly new at this hobby.

CULLING THE HERD

After doing my major water change I scooped out the Cichlids that I was going to re-home. We took them to Big Al's an aquarium store in town. Hubby didn't feel like going so I talked him into coming by taking him out for lunch.

I got my pail ready with my bubbler in it and transferred the Cichlids. There were 8 in total. (3 Rusties, 1 Red Zebra, 2 unidentified Mbuna and 2 Red Top Zebras) It's not much you get for Cichlids at the aquarium but it's nice to know you have a place to take them in a pinch. This was just such a pinch. I received $3 for each large Cichlid and $1 for each small one. So my grand total was a whopping $18.00. I was happy enough with that and hope they find good homes. I also returned the cash right back to the store by purchasing a few things I needed. See how that works?

Before we left I noticed my Auratus were getting a little cozy. I knew the one female would be holding by the time we got home. I have a couple breeder boxes but they are in use so while we were out, I got another one. This one's a little bigger and has a divider that I can actually put two in at once. There is another female in that tank as well, who I believe will be holding before the end of next week. Because my Arautus male is so nasty I like to remove the moms so they can have some peace. The few remaining fry from one of their earlier broods will be gone tomorrow so I'm glad I'll have more soon. There was a brood of 30 between but I lost the whole brood during a power outage.

WEEKLY WATER CHANGE

Since I have been having an issue with my ammonia testing high I've been doing water changes of about 30% every other day. Today I was making big changes to rectify my ammonia issues once and for all.

Yesterday I purchased a beautiful Eheim Classic 250 canister filter. What a fantastic little machine. I had it hooked up and running within minutes. I ran it all night with the plan of doing a major water change and population culling this morning. With that in mind, I filled all my 5 gallon pails with water from the basement tap where I can get the water before it goes through our water softener. Hubby helped me carry the pails up to allow them to warm up to room temperature.

I began the siphon procedure. As the water was draining I removed all the rocks and decor because I would never be able to catch the fish I was planning on removing from the tank. Once I had that taken care of I shut down the filters as they were nearing that point. Next I got my vacuum. My vacuum is a 1" in diameter hose about 10 feet long with a 12" piece of a hanger wire shoved in the end to give the hose stiffness. I do have a big vacuum but I like this much better with sand substrate because I can be very accurate and only pick up the waste. If I do suck up sand I just give it a rinse and put it back in the tank.

When I had about 4" of water left in the tank I began culling the herd - ha! Farm talk. I removed 14 fish in total. 3-RedTop Zebras, 3-Rusties, 2-Hybrid Mbunas that I have never really identified and finally 6 little Acei. The Acei I have in my grow-out tank where my Red Top Zebra and my OB Peacock fry are. They are about the same size and all for sale. The 8 others are going somewhere today. If I can't find a home for them I'll take them to the aquarium store for a small store credit. The ones I removed were the largest and most aggressive in my tank.

Having the tank back together it's looking really good. The Cichlids always seem to be hyper after a water change of this size. They have a new aqua-scape to explore and now that the tank bad boys are gone there's a whole new feeling to the tank. I really thought my Blueberry would step up and show some dominance but he's not at all. It's my Red Zebra who seems to be chasing everyone around. It's new so it will take a few days to see this new hierarchy develop. It's amazing to watch the new relationships develop.

I want take a quick sec to thank all the wonderful people who have helped me get through this dilema and solve my ammonia problem. Thank you!! FaceBook FISH TUBE group!! Check out the group!!

FISH TUBE

AMMONIA SPIKE AND DON'T KNOW WHY

DAILY OBSERVATIONS

I begin each day the same. After taking care of my personal morning rituals I proceed to my fishy morning rituals. In my sewing room right next to our bedroom are my fry, brooding, grow-out and breeding tanks. I check each tank, watching the fish as they eat. It still astounds me how eager and quick growing the tiniest fry are. I have some that were bred during each month, sometimes a couple or three moms at a time so by tanks are busy. I have sold some but currently I have approximately 60 3 week RedTop Zebra fry, next I have only 4 left of my Auratus fry, a dozen left of my RedxRed fry and 30-40 of my larger Zebra fry. I have had great success in that my mortality rate is next to nil.

Coming downstairs my first job is feeding my cats. I have three and would make them wait until my cichlids are looked after but they are too loud and it's better just to satisfy them first. Next I pour
myself a coffee and check on my 55 gallon juvenile tank. I have wonderful juveniles yet to come into their colours. My one young Dragon Blood is showing nicely but the other 3 are just a sweet pinky colour. I'm hoping at least a couple are female since I already know the biggest one is a male. It's a great tank to sit and watch. At his stage they act completely different then they do as they get a little older and more mature. I can already see some adult traits coming out of the bigger ones. Those being around the 2" mark.

Finally my adult community gets my attention. Here I spend most of my time so I don't mind leaving them for last. They are a beautiful bunch of mixed Africa Cichlids. Doing my water testing I have
had issues with the ammonia levels being too high. I've been doing water changes every other day and tests morning and night. The ammonia in the tank has been neutralized but it still shows up on my tests which really bothers me. I have ordered a few items that should help from Amazon. I'm hoping they arrive before the weekend. I just want my water parameters spot on like they usually are.

75 GALLON CICHLID POPULATION COUNT

Today I sat down and wrote out the Cichlids I have in my African community tank.

CICHLID LIST – 75 GALLON

6 - Acei
3 Rusties

2 – Albino RedxRed

1 – Bumblebee

2 – SP #44

3 – OB Peacocks

3 – OB Zebra

2 – VC 10s

2 – Electric Blues

3 - Electric Yellow

2 – Red Zebras

1 – Blue Zebra

2 – Saulosi

3 – Red Shoulders

1 – Lawanda Reef

2 – OB Clown

1 – Blue Face Hap

2 - UID (unidentified)

1 – Kenyi

3 - Red Top Zebras
2 - UID

 47 TOTAL

CICHLIDS AND SALT

I posted a question on a FaceBook community I belong to asking where members stand on the adding salt to your Cichlid aquarium. It's pretty mind boggling. This is what I do... I do a weekly water change of between 30-40%. Once it's complete, just before I clean up and wipe down everything I add salt. But, I only add the salt in the amount needed to replenish the salt from the amount of water I removed.

I've been doing this weekly since the beginning and have had absolutely no issues with my fish getting sick or dying from illness. I've lost one to aggression but that's another post. I began using Cichlid salt, then aquarium salt and finally I've switched to Epsom salts. I've watched countless videos on YouTube about this issue and from what I've read coupled with videos I felt I had things pretty well in hand.

Now I find out that what I'm doing is old news and the old way. I have recently found out that many aquarists don't use salt at all in a regular routine only using it for medicinal purposes. I've also read now, that epsom salts do nothing. It's a huge issue and I will dig deeper to find as much info as I can but for now.. I'm a firm believer in "If it's not broke - don't fix it".

TANK SETUP CHANGES

Sitting here having my coffee as I contemplate the coming water change I have noticed a few of my shyer fish tend to hang around the corner plant where my heater is. I don't think it's the heat they seek as much as their shyness. I'm decided to make a few changes and see what happens.

This morning I plan on doing my regular weekly 30% water change. While the water drains with my can't-live-without python syphon I'm  going to move things around. The scape itself is perfect. It looks good and the fish love it. But, there are oodles of tunnels and caves dug out that I'm going to refill for them. I will also move the heater from one side of the tank to the other. Or perhaps I'll afix it to the tank right in the center? Still thinking on that. I'm also going to move the plants around. I have three plants. One is a small leafed cover plant that can be grounded or float for cover so fish getting picked on have a little place to hide when/if needed. The other two are just decorative. I've thought about removing the plants all together so that's also a possibility.

Having all these things out and unplugged affords me a good time to do a deeper clean. I guess I best get to work.

BEFORE

Ha! I didn't do much... I moved the plants a little but everything is where it's easiest access so it doesn't make any sense to move them. I moved the rocks a little too and filled in all their dug outs. Give them something to do today. It's really cool watching them. Bubba is the first always.

AFTER

Yup not much different but hey I did change the water!! And about 40% cause I was busy will the rocks and soon noticed it was lower than I usually do. I have HOB Marineland 400 filters and I only take the water down to the mid-point intake. Take keeps the filters running and adds lots of action to the water. Coupled with the splashing and replacing the water with water a degree or two lower encourages breeding. We'll see what happens.

NEW ARRIVALS

I belong to a couple different Cichlid communities on Face Book. Guelph and Area Aquatics Buy and Sell is one I frequent. It's a wonderful resource of Cichlid information, photos, discussions and of course many aquatic items for sale or trade including Cichlids.

This morning I made arrangements to trade some Cichlids. I had two Jewel Cichlids I was trying hard to find a home for this pair as they were not a good fit for any of my aquariums. Through FB I made arrangements to trade Cichlids including the Jewels for Cichlids I wanted. Because we lived a good hour apart we decided to meet at a common restaurant. Meeting this couple was really nice. We had so much to talk about within the hobby we share. I know we will work at trading again soon. We were both very happy with this trade. I aquired seven young juvenile OB Peacocks. They fit perfectly in with my juvenile Red Tops. The Cichlids I traded were all healthy and good looking as well.

We discussed our Cichlids setups and decided to visit each others homes. I'm hoping on going tomorrow. As we talked tanks came up in our conversation. There is another object we are going to make a trade on. I plan on taking my 60gl drilled tank and trading for a couple or three smaller tanks. I'm in need of fry, grow-out and a brooding tank or two. I'm hoping to work something out tomorrow.
All in all it's been a good day except for one thing....

My Yellow Lab, who was holding after all that effort, isn't holding anymore. She either swallowed her eggs or spit them out. I'm not too upset. It was her first time. I just hope she will be better the next time around.

DAILY OBSERVATIONS

I watched my Cichlid community for a long time last night. There was so much shivering and shaking going on it was weird. I did do a water change in the morning but it was long after that this behavior went on. I was watching my Yellow Labs breeding. Everytime they got in sync my male Auratus disturbed them. Then when they found a new corner and began again my blueberry OB tried fertilizing both of the Labs. It was very strange. After quite a while I turned their night light on and finally went to bed.

First thing this morning I fed my fry in my fish room. Checked on all of them and then went down to see how my adult Cichlids were doing. They looked good and my Yellow Lab was holding. I was so happy to see they were successful. I certainly hoped the Blueberry had nothing to do with it. I fed them and went to have my coffee.

ROCK'N THE SCAPE

Yesterday I through on my back-pack and headed out with Ozzie my pup for a good hike. We hike the old rail line that's been long removed but it affords us a great path. Just recently it was dubbed the G2G rail trail. It's a nice hike but what I go for is looking for rocks for my aquarium aqua-scapes.

It was a great day for it and I knew just where a wonderful pile of rocks some farmer had the pleasure of pulling from his field was. All around here there are farms and where there are farms there are great rock piles.

We hiked for a while and then on our way back we stop at the rock pile so I can fill my pack. The rocks I lean towards are defined by their colour, shape and size. Colour for the simple pleasure of contrast within my tanks. Shape - what I can imagine building or stacking without too much worry of tumbling down and size I like them to be around the size of a 12" baseball. I also prefer smooth corners and edges. I don't pick sharp rocks for obvious reasons.

I scored this time. I picked up quite a few rocks. I think my pack weighed about 50lbs. I got a couple pink ones, a couple black and white specked ones, white, brown and the traditional granite. A good assortment of colour, shapes and sizes perfect for what I had in mind.

Before I use them I wash them really well using a small hard bristle brush to dig out any dirt or whatever might me on them. I then let them soak in a vinegar bath for about an hour. Then I rinse them under clear water and brush them a second time. As the dirt comes off they look better and better. I'm so pleased with these ones.

My two show tanks are about as nice as I can get them. I'm very happy with my work. It's very amusing watching the fish check out the added rocks, nooks and caves. They dart in, out between the new rocks like it's a new playground. Once they've had a good look then the digging begins.

CICHLID CRAZY PHOTOGRAPHER

Having a camera at the ready produces a ton of photos.. here are the shots I took yesterday!

CICHLID GRADUATION

This morning I had some work cut out for me. I was planning on a graduation party of sorts. In my fry grow-out tank I had eight Yellow Labs that were ready to move up to my Juvenile tank. I also had a about four Red Top Zebras that were larger than most in that tank so I decided to move them as well. That leaves me with about 30 Red Top Zebras in my 30 gallon grow-out tank, and two 10 gallon tanks full of fry. The smaller of the two were just spit the other day and the older ones are from three different moms but all close to the same age and size. In there I have more Red Top Zebras, Auratus and Albino RedxReds. I've already sold some from this tank but it nice if they get a little bigger before re-homing them unless they are going right into another fry setup.

To begin with I had to move some juveniles to my adult 75gl to make room for the new juveniles. I moved eight in total. A couple OB's, Yellow Labs and a couple peacocks. Turning out the light and feeding lightly I moved them in. I will leave the light out until supper time and then see how they are making out. From the look of things everyone is curious but no aggression. These juveniles are not the smallest in my adult tank. I have a half dozen Acei in both tanks.. just cause they are cute and get along with anyone. Swimming their little follow-the-leader game through the nooks and crannies.

I had to remove all the rocks and decor in order to catch these quick JJs (junior-juveniles) but I managed without getting too wet. It seems I'm usually walking around with one damp shoulder. Strange how that is eh? It was time to go catch some JJs. Again taking out pretty much everything from the tank I caught the ones I wanted and added them to my juvenile community. I was thinking if they only knew where they were going they would jump in my net themselves! The transition went fine.

Big Al my Albino RedxRed male still resides in my juvenile tank. He's become the poppa of the tank. I will let him stay there as he's gentle and doesn't deserve to be picked on like he was in my African community.

RE-SCAPING MY 75 AGAIN!

 

Yesterday I decided I had to re-scape my 75 gallon tank once more. This time I removed the imitation rock form that the males were fighting over. Already there seems to be a peacefulness to the tank that it lacked before. I re-arranged the stones/rocks creating lots of caves, swim-throughs, nooks and crannies. I find when making the fish dig their own homes they are so engrossed in that they hardly pay attention to each other. I also believe these are hard working fish and thrive in an environment where they can dig, renovate and create homes for themselves. 

AFRICAN JEWEL CICHLIDS

Jewel Cichlids are a little different than the 3-Lake Cichlids of Africa. Yes they do share that continent but, they are found in rivers and small lakes in west Africa.

This Cichlid is not a mouth brooder. They tend to be more aggressive during spawning exactly for that reason. They lay there eggs on a flat smooth surface and both parents fiercely protect them. They will pick them up in their mouth but not all at once and not the same way a mouth brooder protects their brood. They are not suitable for a community setting. When spawning they become very aggressive killing anything that threatens them or their young.

I came by this pair purely by accident. A friend was wanting fry and looking to get rid of this pair. Simple as that we swapped. I just happened to have a 20 gallon tank cycled and ready so that's where I put them. This type of Cichlid is new to me so I'm learning about them as I go. I'm fascinated and enchanted by them. They are the prettiest fish and are sure to capture my heart as all my Cichlids tend to do.

SPITTING FRY

This morning when I was in my fishroom feeding my fry, brooding moms and Jewels I realized Stella - one of my Red Top Zebra fry had spit her brood out. It seemed so soon so I checked in my "Cichlid Diary". Stella was only on day 16 but I guess her hunger won out. I fed her and boy did she eat. It was only seconds after eating that she was gathering all her babies back up again. I had finished their water changes but I was just going to check their filters yet. Good thing I did too. I found at least half a dozen fry in the filter. They were fine and I did return them to mommy but I'm going to have to invest in a couple sponge filters. I've been putting that off long enough.

DAILY OBSERVATIONS

Over the last few days I have been having some concerns about the aggression between two of my male Zebra Cichlids. Bubba (the largest) was commanding about half of the tank as his, keeping the rest of the community in the other half of the tank. I took Bubba out of the community for just under a week so see if the hierarchy would shift so he would be replaced in the pecking order. Once he was returned to the community - after a fight or two I thought he was settling in but these two males were fighting over this imitation rock form as their domain. Scratches and knicks were evident on both fish but nothing I was too worried about. This morning it was worse. Bubba finally de-throned Rambo - leaving the poor guy with some serious injuries. These bites were past the scales and right to the flesh.

These fish are only doing what they do naturally. Trying to claim a territory. I decided to fix this problem. I removed the rock form so they didn't have that to fight over anymore. Once again I rescaped the tank during my water change. It's always interesting to watch how they accept a new setup. I have to give kudos to Bubba for being so determined. Within a few hours of settling into the new scape he's already established his territory and dug himself a lovely cave. With Rambo's injuries I don't think he's feeling up to much. He is very dark and displaying very submissive actions anytime Bubba swims by. It's truly fascinating to watch the drama unfold. Who'd a thunk? 

WHEELING AND DEALING

I had a good day today. I had a couple coming for Red Top Zebra fry. They were looking to re-home a pair of Jewel Cichlids and wanted some fry so we did a swap. I took the Jewels and gave him 1/2 a dozen Red Top fry. I also had two batches of gravel washed and ready for sale. He took one of those off of my hands as well.


A few hours later I had another couple come for fry and they took the other batch of aquarium gravel. It's always a good feeling when you get rid of stuff you no longer need and someone else can make good use of.

I had the blue gravel laying around for quite a while. I had used it in my tropical fish tank but I didn't like it with my Cichlids.

I first tried fine sand in my Cichlid tank. I loved the look of it but it caused me problems with my HOB filters causing them to make a grinding noise because they would suck up the fine particals of sand. I switched it out for the natural gravel. I used that for a few months but really wanted that beautiful white sand look. I tried different coarser sands but they were pretty expensive to do a big tank. Finally I tried pool filter silica sand. It took me a long time and elbow grease to wash it all but it was perfect in that it wasn't quite as fine so my filters didn't pick it up and it's lovely white colour was just what I was after.

POSTING PICS

This guy is a Blue Zebra. A typical Mbuna Malawi Cichlid. He's about 3".

This handsome fellow is known as a Bumblebee. Some refer to this species as a Hornet because they tend to be quite aggressive. I haven't had an issue with him at all. He's a little under 3".








This is one of my O.B. Zebras. I have a few of them. This fellow is 3" and resides in my adult cichlid community 75gl tank. I have a few more O.B. Zebras in my juvenile tanks as well.

This is a Kenyi Mbuna cichlid. I'm not sure but I do believe this is a female. The males are blue and the females are yellowish.

The front cichlid is a Red Zebra, behind him is my Auratus Male and to the right is an Auratus female. I have two females who have given me two broods each. I'm expecting them too breed again soon. I stripped them at 14 days the babies still having evidence of egg sacks, I put them in my tumbler. They were doing well in the tumbler wiggling around. Then we had a 22 hour power outage and I lost the whole brood.