| Tidbits Continued |
| Cichlids usually do not care for bright lights so some possiblities are single lights in a reflector or tubes which are n the red or blue ends of the spectrum are some ideal choices. Leave the light on for 12 to 14 hours a day. This simulates natural light. This is important because lighting is what assist the fish in knowing when it is time for them to sleep, feed, and also breed. If you need to have a heater in your tank (really depends on where you live, the more towards the equartor the less you will need one - but having one is a very good idea) keep in mind that your best bet is 5 watts per gallon. So if you have a 20 gallon you should use 100 watt heater. For larger tank, usually two heaters are better and best to assign one to one end of the tank and the other to the other end of the tank so that they can share the work. Cichlids fell vulnerable when there is alot of space around them, not meaning they do not want a big tank, but backgrounds are excellent additions to tanks. Use natural background or even a black background. I have even heard of people using a 3-D type stone background. How often you change your water is based on several things: How many fish are in the tank Type of food and how much food fed Temp - keep in mind that it takes 24 hours for water temp to stabilize Ammonia levels When doing water changes, try to match the water temp from your tap or water source to the temp in the tank by a few degrees. Also keep in mind that water evaporation affects the ammonia levels so if you are not doing water changes too often, make sure to at least top off the water. |
| Live Food / Tasty Treats |
| Live Foods Feeder fish - mostly for your larger cichlids - more than 6 in becareful when picking feeder fish. If you go to your local LFS to purchase them, exam the tank and their behavior first. If your feeder fish are not heathy, then that will then pass on to your cichlid. Adult Brine Shrimp - for those of us that are older...these are sometimes refeered to a SEA MONKEYS!! Yes, it is true..I am old enough to remember these guys! Most local pet shops care them and you can grow your own. I have yet to try these but once I do, I will update this. Earthworms- most cichlids will not eat these if they are cut up but it is easier to hand feed or use a feeding ring. If you just dump them in, the worms may find their way into the nooks and cranies of your gravel or sand. Tasty Treats Most Cichlids like a variety of "human" food. Many have been know to munch on the following: Romaine lettuce Peas Zucchini Spinich - do not feed too often as too much may cause problems Carrots - have not tried this one but seen on several sites. |
| Tips for buying Cichlids |
| I highly recommend buying fish that are immature or juvilnile. Even though at this point it may be hard to sex and or their full beautiful color is not apparent, buying young fish offers several advantages: less expensive than mature ones, adjust more easily to a new aquarium, and many cichlids that grow up together tend to be less aggresive wth each other. When buying Cichlids, EXAMINE EXAMINE EXAMINE ! ! ! ! Best idea is to watch the fish in the dealers tank for an extended time. Do not buy fish that you question their health. Cichlids are heavy eaters - if a Cichlid is not eating or being very picky, the fish may be ill. I suggest asking someone at the pet store to show you a demonstration feeding. Cichlids whose feces trails behind them in long WHITE threads may have or be suffering from some type of serious intestinal disease. Texas Holy Rock, Lava Rock, Slate and other such rocks are often used in tank decor. Many shop will sell these items for about $1.50 or MORE a pound! Of course this is mark up so that the store can make money, but if you are on a limited budget (and most of us are!!!...if not, please feel free to donate to the Kenia Carlson going-to-have-a-huge-custom-built-dream-tank-built-one-day fund) your most cost efficent choice is to look up masonary or rock/slate/stone suppliers in your phonebook. Most of these companies will sell thier products for pennies on the pound!! One company here in Houston said his MOST expensive slate would be 30 CENTS a pound! The most you would have to do with their product is smash it up to your liking and just wash it. HEY EVERY PENNY COUNTS!!! |
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