Topic: New American cichlid set up.

[Dale]

Hi ya guys. Just a quick note to say that I got round to collecting my swapped cichlids today
Came away with an extra convict as well, which I wasn't expecting. So now the tank is stocked with 2xcons, 2x Gold severums, 2x Blue acara (breeding pair), 1x Jewel Cichlid (OK, not strictly an American tank), and 1x plec.
   Had no trouble so far, apart from the male Blue acara taking an instant dislike to the largest con. To be fair to him the con is nearly twice his size and for a while he was givin him what for, until the Con realized that he was bigger
But now they've both called it quits, and staying out of each other's way. The Sevs are lovely, and my Little Jewel that I bought the other day (who I'm certain is a little simple), I'm really happy with. He goes a deep red when excited.
   Anyway, here's a quick pic not all fish can be seen, but it's all I've got for the mo, will take a full set up photo once camera batteries have charged. I'll keep updating here about any interesting behavior, or pitfalls.
Cheers!

[Gerry]

Good luck with them and good to hear you got them OK in the end 

[callen]

Yes Best of luck!  Looking forward to hearing how they all do 

[Stormbringer]

congrats on you finally getting them 

[Dale]

   Why did that photo turn out big enough to wall paper my lounge with? Could someone give me a pointer please!
Well after the first week of the new cichlids I've removed the largest Con. He wasn't overly aggressive but was a bit too pushy for my size tank. Everything is allot more calm in their now. I never thought Having two Cons in their would work, but as the chap gave me an extra, I thought I'd try it. Now the Largest of the two Sevs is boss. He gives the Smaller Sev a bit of a chase sometimes, and the acaras at times get a knock, but nothing worrying. The Con left in just hides away in his cave until feed time. And the Jewel gets ignored by all of them, and always seems oblivious to any agro.
   All in all everything is cool. Will swap the large Con for something else.
   Oh, I broke it to the other half that I intend to get a 5ft tank for the living room, didn't really say much, that can either be a good or a bad thing, but I'm sure she knows I'll get one no matter what she says!

[Gerry]

Sounds like your having fun 

The picture just needs resized

[Stormbringer]

welcome to the world of cichlids lol
what youl find is its a fine balklancing act between success and failure and keeping your eyes open when you add something new really helps but always have a plan B ready tho just in case 

[Dale]

I know What you're saying. I've kept cichlids on and off over the years but never a community. I think I might also swap the larger Sev for something else now as well, Because I'm sat here watching him terrorize the small one, and It's hacking me off! 

[Stormbringer]

sometimes you remove 1 and another steps up to take its place , if no harm being done damage wise watch em and if doesnt ease of in a week or 2 then use plan B

[Dale]

Good idea. 

[Katt]

How`s it working out.?
Could try making more hiding place`s.

[Dale]

It's going OK actually Katt, thanks for asking. Sorry for the slow reply but been bit of a mad week. A couple inches of snow over here and everything goes belly up, it's ridiculous.
   Apart from loosing one of the new Cons to what I'm guessing was mouth rot, They're all getting on as well as can be expected! 
The big Con is back in, and to be honest isn't so badly behaved. He rules the roost, but the Larger Gold Severum is the trouble maker. The Blue acaras haven't looked to breed again since the others went in, which I'm half glad about.
But my favorite little guy is turning out to be the little Jewel who's becoming stunningly colored , and a little character as well. Been trying to find a five foot tank to put them all in but no joy so far.

[Gerry]

good luck with the tank hunting 

[Dan]

Sounds great and you have a nice combo of fish!   Good to see the excitement of someone, with a new tank, as we all have been there before.  Good luck with everything! 

[Dale]

I'll post this hear so I don't hijack that poor chaps topic.
   So the carbon in my filter is best out. I have some spare Bio balls that I could put in its place, or filter wool,which would be better?
   And that leads to another question. Why do most external filters come with carbon media as standard? If it's not such a good thing then the manufacturers are kinda doing the inexperienced keeper an injustice by adding it as a normal component but not explaining its use 
  I'm glad I met you guys.