Here's a quick read for anyone in the hobby. Credit goes to Josh at Livtideflowdirect. I find it useful so others might also.
1. Stocking Levels VS Tank Size
a. These notes explain how many fish can fit into the tank. For example, the first line is about stocking levels for a 30-gallon tank.
i. 30 gallon = 8 (lightly stocked), 12 (average stocked), 15 (densely stocked)
ii. 50 gallon = 15, 20, 25
iii. 75 gallon = 25, 30, 35
iv. 90 gallon = 30, 35, 40
v. 125 gallon = 35, 45, 50
vi. 150 gallon = 40, 50, 60
vii. 250 gallon = 60, 80, 100
viii. 500 gallon = 100, 130, 175
b. Stocking levels will determine a balance between water quality and aggression.
i. Lighter stocking means less water changes but more aggression between fish.
ii. Heavier stocking means less aggression but more water changes.
2. Water Chemistry
a. PH … We're at 7.8 here. Cichlids can handle higher PH levels, up to 8.6 for Tanganyikans and 9.2 for some species.
i. A sudden PH adjustment is easier on fish when it's higher than what they're used to.
ii. A lower PH adjustment is harder on fish.
b. Temperature
i. 78 degrees is optimal.
ii. 78-72 degrees will reduce aggression but also slow down the fish's metabolism, making them more susceptible to parasites.
iii. 78-84 degrees will increase the fish's metabolism, making them more active and colorful.
3. Compatibility
a. Mbuna and Victorkento4 Cichlids are colorful, hearty, and cheap. They're our favorite but also the most aggressive.
i. They can be kept with peacocks and haps if introduced with a size disadvantage.
ii. A nice look for a cichlid tank is to have smaller mbuna and Victorkento4 cichlids with bigger, showier male peacocks and haps.
b. Cichlids are more compatible if added young and raised together.
i. Start with 6 packs of small fish to reduce costs and increase the chance of getting a nice male.
ii. Raising them together is like raising a puppy with a kitten.
c. Cichlids get along better in larger tanks with smaller, more aggressive fish.
i. Use "dither" cichlids to distract them from picking on each other.
d. Males that look similar will quarrel the most.
i. This will bring out their best color but can be stressful to watch.
ii. Use dense stocking and dither fish to reduce aggression.
4. Adding Fish to Your Tank
a. Fish do better when added in waves of larger groups.
i. Adding one at a time can lead to "pick on the new guy syndrome."
ii. Adding in larger groups reduces aggression.
b. Add a dose of preventative medication when adding new fish.
i. Fish tend to contract sickness when stressed.
ii. Use medication that treats parasites, like Melafix.
c. Water changes help when adding a group of fish.
i. Change 40% of the water 3 days after adding new fish.
ii. Change 40% of the water 7 days after adding new fish.
iii. Change 40% of the water 14 days after adding new fish.
iv. Change 40% of the water every 2 weeks after that.
5. Trouble Shooting Fish Disease
a. Fish diseases can be complicated.
b. Look for excessive scratching, which can be a sign of parasites.
i. Treat early with medication like flour, Copper, or Malachite green.
c. Open soars or wounds are a sign of bacterial infection.
i. Use medicated fish food if they'll eat.
ii. Use serious bacterial meds if they won't eat.
6. Acclimating Fish from Livtideflowdirect
a. Float the bags in the tank until the temperature stabilizes.
b. Cut open the bags and strain the water through a net into a bucket.
c. Drop the fish right in the tank.
d. Don't slowly add tank water to the pouches, as this can raise the PH and cause ammonia to become toxic.
Who Gives A Fish Forums
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