MY RESTRUCTURING PLAN

Today I set to work putting my restructuring plan into motion. I was at it for about 5 hours. Doing complete water changes on all three of my display tanks. I also vented each cichlid and separated the males from the females. It was a grueling task, but I loved every minute of it.

I now have my 75 gallon cichlid community an all male set up. I'm very happy with it. I moved the females out and moved my juvenile males in. I'm hoping I didn't miss a female but I will weed them out as I realize they are female. I'm pretty sure they are all male.

My 55 gallon tank is now the home to my females. They are much more relaxed and I can see they have brightened up considerably. I removed sixteen females from my 75 gallon tank. That was almost half of my fish.

In my 40 gallon I now have my juveniles, I think they will do well in that tank. It's a little smaller but there are also fewer cichlids. The fish that were in  the 40 that I planned on selling are now in my LFR.

I had a busy day but I feel great. I'll have to keep an eye out for abuse or aggression toward my juvenile males but so far it's looking pretty good. It's an entire different feeling when there aren't any females in the tank. I can see that already. Now I just hope I don't find a cichlid holding in my male community. Time will tell... 

AFRICAN CICHLIDS - LIGHTS ON!

PONDGURU - CHECK OUT HIS CHANNEL

PERFORMING AFRICAN CICHLIDS

Yesterday was CANADA DAY.  Everywhere you could see red red and more red. Patriotic Canadians celebrating CANADA'S birthday. 149 years!

Our neighbour girls brought us some cookies they made as a treat. While they were here they wanted a tour of my cichlids. I began at my 55 gallon juvenile tank. They loved it and thought it was so huge! From there we moved to the 40 gallon "fish for sale" tank. Moving on to my 75 gallon community show tank they were very impressed.

Showing them how the cichlids greet me they laughed. I held my hand in the aquarium making an O with my thumb and middle fingers. My two chubby OB's love to swim through the circle of my fingers actually stopping for a rub. The girls were so surprised they never imagined fish could be this amazing. They really enjoyed the tour so far.

When I finally took them up to MLFR to show them the full stages of cichlid breeding they were most excited about the babies in the tumbler. They couldn't believe fish could be so tiny. My young fish - as young as a couple weeks already come to the front of the aquarium looking for food knowing it's coming upon seeing me.

The girls really enjoyed the tour and
asked if they can come back when the yellow moms have their babies. I told them I will call the over when they spit.

Making up treat bags for the girls they left very happy. Telling me they were looking forward to a fireworks show they were going to have as soon as dad said it's dark enough.

It was a very nice CANADA DAY!

TODAY'S SMILE ~ CICHLIDS PLAYING LASER TAG!

Having some fun with my cats I decided to give my cichlids a turn. It's amazing how inquisitive these guys are. I laughed so hard when I watched the one guy trying to eat the laser dot. It's comical so I hope you enjoy!

CLEANING YOUR PYTHON

When I do my water changes I use "The Python". It's a fantastic and helpful siphon that attaches to your faucet so you can remove and replace your aquarium water without lugging pails back and forth. I use it to siphon only at this point. In order to use it to refill I have to pick up a adapter.

I did my water changes in my two show tanks today. Lugging my refill pails from the kitchen to where my tanks are located is a chore. It's not far but still a hassle. I went to the local hardware store to get the adapter today and was told I won't be able to use my faucet in the kitchen. For some reason it won't adapt to the python. I decided to check the main floor bathroom and guess what? It works. I'm pretty happy about that except it's too far for one of my tanks to reach so I will still have to lug pails for one tank. I'm going to look into getting a extra length of hose I can add so my pail lugging days will be over.

I have noticed that my python hose is getting dark spots in it. I'm afraid it's mold because it's next to impossible to dry the hose out between water changes.  Many people have told me it's not a concern and not to worry about it. I decided to clean it today. I mixed a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. I wound up the hose into a circle that would fit inside my 5 gallon pail. Pushing the hose down to the bottom I began pouring the solution over the hose. Once the hose was covered I took the end and sucked the solution through the hose. I stopped just before I got a mouthful of bleach! This was the only way I could see filling the hose with the solution without having air trapped inside. I left it soak like that for a couple hours. Then I repeated the process with clear water, rinsing it through a few times. I then left the pail with the hose wound up in it filled with clear water and I'll let that sit over night and then I will repeat that once more to make sure it's clear. My final step will be to run a good dose of Prime through the hose and that should do it. As it is, now my hose is looking crystal clear and clean. Mold scares me and I am not going to take a chance hurting my fish using a moldy hose. 

CICHLIDS VS CANON 60D

KENYI-KENNY REHOMED AGAIN

WATER CHANGE - RESCAPE

MY NEWEST ACQUISITION

CONFUSING MY CICHLIDS

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

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

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

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. 

NEW ADDITIONS - 55 GALLONS

Here are photos of my new acquisitions to my Cichlids. There are more pics than just the new ones. The juveniles are my most recently acquired. I'm looking forward to watching the grow and develop their colours.