can you identify my cichlid?

[tommix]

I picked up this m/f pair and another one to start my 36 gal, but I didn't pay much attention to what I was buying. They aren't in the species index thread, so I'm hoping someone can help me identify them. I'd love to know what they'll look like as they mature and color up.

Thanks in advance!

[kalevi]

First fish is a Aulonocara German Red. Second, I've got a victoriano4 african cichlid, specifically Zebra obliquidens.

[swiftfly]

Those first two fish, they seem to resemble Aulonocara. And, by the way, those variegated plants you've got in there aren't aquatic plants.

[tommix]

Thanks for the quick ID, I'm stoked about the color potential for my German Red - hoping he develops nicely. Might even get him a couple more females to see how things go. As for the plants, I knew they were a gamble, cheap and all, but they've held up better than I expected with the Cichlids. Three weeks in and they're starting to show some dead spots, so I'll pull them once they get worse. Planning to order some Anubias soon to tie to the rocks.

Thanks again for the quick and accurate info!

[kalevi]

No problem, German Reds are indeed beautiful fish. I'm curious, what size tank do you have yours in? Give him some females, a good sandy substrate, and good water conditions, and he should display nicely.

[tommix]

36g bowfront; a bit small, I'm learning. I intend to stock it to around 10 or 12 cichlids and a couple of cats. I'm planning an upgrade to a canister filter rated for 70 gals or maybe 100gals - still deciding. The Fluval 406 seems like a great option, but I'm worried it might be too much flow for my tank.

Changing to sand is on my mind; I wish I'd started with it. Is it possible to completely change substrate once the tank has cycled? I'm trying to figure out how to do it without causing too much disruption.

My water seems to be doing alright so far. Three weeks in, I'm at 0.50 ammonia just before a water change, and my tap water is around 8.0 pH. I still need to get a master test kit to check all my levels.

I'm dealing with an ich issue right now, so I've got the tank at 87 degrees F and added aquarium salt today. It's been a challenge, but I'm hoping to get it under control.

[tommix]

Here's a video of my tank from a couple of weeks back - I know, too many fish, but I'm learning as I go. I'm doing my best to get them through this little hiccup. Daily water changes are my new normal right now.

Uploaded in HD if you want to take a closer look.