considering a switch to cichlids

[seaburst]

I was never one for high maintenance aquariums, I kept things simple, no co2 or fancy equipment, and yet my plants were thriving. That was until the house move, now everything's died off apart from one stubborn plant that seems to be impossible to kill. I think the shift to a higher pH is really taking its toll, not just on the plants but on my fish as well. It seems like a better idea to switch to fish that can handle my water conditions, rather than trying to find ways to stabilise and work around what I have.

[dorvex]

That white rock you saw at the garden centre, with the weird shapes and holes, I think that's Texas holey rock, it's really popular in cichlid tanks.

[fruity1]

I've been doing some thinking about my tank, and I've come to realize that my current setup just isn't working out. I was pretty low maintenance before, no CO2 or anything fancy, but everything was thriving. Then the house move happened, and it's been a disaster - everything's died except for one plant that seems impossible to kill. I think the change to a higher pH is taking its toll on everything, and it's just not worth trying to stabilize it. I'm better off switching to fish that can handle my water conditions.

[seaburst]

I've been doing some thinking about my tank, and I've come to realize that my current setup just isn't working out. I was pretty low maintenance before, no CO2 or anything fancy, but everything was thriving. Then the house move happened, and it's been a disaster - everything's died except for one plant that seems impossible to kill. I think the change to a higher pH is taking its toll on everything, and it's just not worth trying to stabilize it. I'm better off switching to fish that can handle my water conditions.

I was already pretty low maintenance, no co2 or anything, it was flourishing but since the house move everything has died bar one plant that looks impossible to kill. I think the change to a higher pH is taking its toll on everything and everyone. A move to fish who suit my water is better than trying to stabilise and work on keeping what I have.

You've gotten quite a few good suggestions. I do have the API master kit and I have been testing my water, I just didn't mention it earlier. The only change in my water has been the pH level, it's been pretty steady at 7.9 since the move, just a slight fluctuation after the move.

I'm not looking to rush into anything, I still have my tank running with my current stock, I'm just getting everything together so I can change everything in one hit and avoid re-cycling unless I absolutely have to. I've got friends with tanks who can help me out with media changes if needed, so that's not a problem. I'm just trying to work everything out so it's a seamless transition.

[fruity1]

I'm having a right old struggle with my south american themed tropical set up since moving house in June. The move really knocked my fish for six and I lost a few, which I suppose is to be expected but it's still bloody annoying.

The main reason I'm thinking of switching things up is the water's gone from being reasonably soft to hard as nails - 7.9ph to be exact. I've been doing some reading and it seems this is perfect for cichlids, but it's been a nightmare for my current stock and plants. I've lost a few fish and the plants are dying off, which I'm pretty sure is down to the water.

Having a 2 month old daughter doesn't help, either. I just don't have the time to look after the plants like I used to, so it's all getting a bit much. Cichlids seem like a good option, though - the tanks are just rock work and easy to maintain, with a regular clean to get rid of waste. No dosing ferts or pruning required. My daughter's starting to take an interest in the tank, too, so the bright colours of cichlids would be great.

I've got a 3' Juwel Vision 180 aquarium and I've been to my LFS - they've agreed to take back my remaining tropical stock so I can swap to cichlids. But how do I actually do it? I've started buying rocks and decorations, but the substrate's proving tricky. I've got a small grain black gravel at the moment and I'm wondering if I should swap it for a coarse sand. Cichlids like to dig around, don't they?

I don't want to rush the whole process, so I'll be doing it over the course of a week or so. How can I keep my filter alive while I'm doing the swap? Will I have to re-cycle the tank if the filter's idle for that long? Is there a way to keep my bacterial colony alive?

As for species, I'm after something bright. Yellow labs are on the list and I've seen some bluey/purple ones with black stripes that look great. The guy at the LFS said I should stock about 12 fish, but that seems like a lot for the tank size. I won't be able to stock fully straight away, anyway - I've read that new additions can get bullied. What's the best way to stock, then?

I was already pretty low maintenance with my tank, flourishing with no co2, but since the house move, everything's died except one plant that's impossible to kill. I think the higher pH is taking its toll on everything and everyone. I've decided to move to fish that suit my water instead of trying to stabilize and work on keeping what I have.

You've gotten quite a few good suggestions, but I should clarify that I do regular water testing with my API Freshwater Master Test Kit, and the only significant change has been the pH level, which is now at 7.9. I've had a slight fluctuation after the move, but that's it.

I still have my tank running with current stock, and I'm just getting everything ready so I can change everything in one hit without having to re-cycle unless I absolutely have to. I have friends with tanks who can help with media changes, so that's not a problem. I'm just trying to work everything out for a seamless transition.

LOL, no offense was taken, but I appreciate your concern. I know I should leave nothing to chance, especially when it comes to my tank. I'm not taking any chances, and I'm doing my research to ensure a smooth transition. I'm aware that a longer and larger tank might be better for cichlids, but I'm working with what I have. Thanks for the advice, and I hope my transition goes smoothly.