Splitting up CA vs SA cichlid subforum?

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THQ

Candiru
MFK Member
Dec 13, 2015
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Hi, I'm relatively new here, but is there a way for me to filter either CA or SA related posts? Probably not I guess, but I just find it strange that there is no dedicated forum to each biotope yet there is a dedicated subforum each for pikes, pbass and hybrids, etc.

Obviously the CA cichlids are quite different in temperament, jaw structure, and water parameters than SA cichlids, and many wouldn't mix the two in one setup due to differences in pH and water hardness and as usually the CA will dominate the SA.

Thanks.
 
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Tenperment and jaw structure, sure.

But in overall care its the same. Most tank-raised fish dont give a darn about parameters except temp, and as long as extremes are avoided.

Really the only difference to the average keeper is that SA are usually a bit more laid back that CA, and hence shouldnt really be kept together unless you know what your doing.

:)
 
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LogiBear said:
Most tank-raised fish dont give a darn about parameters except temp, and as long as extremes are avoided.
:)
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IMHO whilst avoiding extremes and variability is the most important thing, fish would still thrive, not just survive, better in the parameters their physiology has evolved for through millions of years.

eg., I have been reliably informed that the waters that many popular CA cichlids come from are much harder and more alkaline than previously thought, and much different to the soft acidic water of SA. Someone on cichlid-forum brought my attention to this, and referenced studies (hosted on cichlidae.com) where multiple tests of water parameters from CA waters where particular cichlids are endemic. I understand what you say about being bred in a fish shop, but you can't ignore millions of years of evolution. I would guess those cichlids that have evolved for different ph and hardness would have different physiology for osmoregulation.

A while ago when I was just getting into new world cichlids I asked on cichlid-forum about mixing CA/SA and many cichlid keepers on there seemed to have that view.
 
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THQ said:
IMHO whilst avoiding extremes and variability is the most important thing, fish would still thrive, not just survive, better in the parameters their physiology has evolved for through millions of years.

eg., I have been reliably informed that the waters that many popular CA cichlids come from are much harder and more alkaline than previously thought, and much different to the soft acidic water of SA. Someone on cichlid-forum brought my attention to this, and referenced studies (hosted on cichlidae.com) where multiple tests of water parameters from CA waters where particular cichlids are endemic. I understand what you say about being bred in a fish shop, but you can't ignore millions of years of evolution. I would guess those cichlids that have evolved for different ph and hardness would have different physiology for osmoregulation.

A while ago when I was just getting into new world cichlids I asked on cichlid-forum about mixing CA/SA and many cichlid keepers on there seemed to have that view.
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I see what youre saying.

But i think when you breed some fish in aquariums for more than a couple genereations, you really can ignore it with most, not all, species, including the vast majority of cichlids especially CA.

They have differing parameters in the wild. One area might have a higher PH and a lower temp than another, and one lake might be relatively soft while the one nearby could be a lot harder. There is a good amount of variation as it is.

I wouldnt say that aquarium bred fish do noticeably better in parameters closer to what they would naturally experience. I think they might have slightly better color and activity levels due to an optimized enviroment, but i think it would be small indeed.

Even in the wild fish can take over areas that arent the same as their native turf. Invasive species. Some are fragile, but most adapt to a completly new diet and tenperature variation, as well as hardness and PH. So even in the wild, the adaptable qualities in fish are present.

Some cichlids are exempt, ando would say they are mostly SA, including Angels, Discuss, and some of the Dwarfs.
 
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THQ said:
Excellent. I will. I also love MFK because I am into big fish in general as well.

Interestingly someone posted on there a 10 commandments of cichlid keeping, and #6 is no mixing of cichlids from different regions.

http://www.crazycichlidkeepers.com/...nts-of-cichlid-keeping-7311308?pid=1286317940
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I think mist of that is BS.

I can mix cichlids from different areas. If i want to put a Convict in with my Oscars, they will be fine. Or a FM with GTs, provided there is places to hide. Again, cichlids are extremly adaptable and parameters are one of the least worrying things, especially when concerung tank raised fish.

Or that i cant give feeders. Sure i can. I can breed Cons and feed the babies, or Guppies, or Jewel Cichlids, etc. Feeders arent automatically bad. LFS's conditions are bad, which give feeders a bad rep.

Or that i need to do huge water changes all the time. Not always. Some species dont react well to large WC. The change in temp or hardness or PH or whatever can be harmful. So that doesnt even apply.

You can see everything is 50% truth and 50% exceptions to the rule... You cant say "dont mix fish" based off of only parameters. Aggression can be almsot negated in a large tank with lots of hiding places (provided you dont get a nastyass fish). Want to be a purist, ok. But you cant just say it will or wont work.
 
I dont mix sa and ca either but allot of other members do it. I sont see a big deal in having one section for both.


A while back i tried to make my water harder even though other members advised against it..... did more harm than good.
 
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I'd like to see a split too and consolidate the crenicichla and discus section into it.
 
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