Central cichlids with nitrate

[Tj203]

Agreed, steindachneri are probably not what you want to start with as your introduction to cichlids, at least in the size of tank you are considering. As others have stated RH Tapajos would be a good fit, they also do better at elevated pH values. I have kept them at pH 8.2 with no problem, as have many others in this area.

I have about 8 different species of geo's in 8.2 ph for over a year with no problem.

 

[RD.]

I have about 8 different species of geo's in 8.2 ph for over a year with no problem.

Yes, some geos work in hard water, others do not. 1 year isn't exactly a success story amigo, many cases of chronic hole in the head only surface as the fish begin to age. This is why some of us are mentioning species that are known not to have issues, instead of some species that are known to have issues with harder water, and the associated bacteria typically found in those types of water.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Yes, some geos work in hard water, others do not. 1 year isn't exactly a success story amigo, many cases of chronic hole in the head only surface as the fish begin to age. This is why some of us are mentioning species that are known not to have issues, instead of some species that are known to have issues with harder water, and the associated bacteria typically found in those types of water.

Very true. I tried and tried with heckelli. No matter how many tannins I added they would reach about 4 to 5 inches and then the pitting started. Same applied with satanoperca deamon. I love these fish but my water is just to hard for their long term well being.

 

[RD.]

Agreed, there are some species that are simply not meant for harder water. This has been discussed by myself & others in great detail over the years.

No offense to my fellow Canuck Lee Newman, but IMO the pitting & bloating that Lee mentions in his article is caused from bacteria that is typically not found in these fishes native waters, primarily Spironucleus vortens, and IME it also affects S. jurupari and S. leucosticta. Myself, Matt, and Tom all commented about HITH in the following past discussion, with relation to some of the SA species and their relative ease at getting HITH.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?548799-HITH-lATERAL-LINE-DISEASE-IN-CICHLA

IMO it's a bit more involved than just "poor water quality", or poor diet, as many people believe. In Lee's defense a lot of this info was not common knowledge back in 1996 when his article was first published.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

These guys are also very cool and there preferred set up sounds exactly the kind of scape I'd like, I've always had a eye for the black water stuff. I was actually out yesterday collecting wood ready for when I get my new tank, found some lovely oak from a tree that had recently been fell. Are there any other s/a that could work in my water with a little group of these or steindenchari, I love some of the more natural green and banded heros species. A tank divider definitely sounds like a good idea

I hear most people say that their heros are peaceful. This is not my experience. Everyone I have tried has ended up being quite aggressive, especially with its own kind. However that may just be my luck with the ones I have had. Rotkiels are a very attractive fish when mature and don't grow quite as big as some of the other species. I also believe they are not over fussy about water parameters.
A good tank mate for a group of red head geos would be a pair of wild coloured tank bred angel fish. They would occupy the higher levels of the tank while the geos are more bottom.
A couple of hoplo catfish could also be a nice addition.
I would definitely stay away from nippy fish like some of the tetras if you have red heads. They produce beautiful trailing tail and fin extentions when they get older. Would be a shame to see them nibbled off.

 

[duanes]

Yes, some geos work in hard water, others do not. 1 year isn't exactly a success story amigo, many cases of chronic hole in the head only surface as the fish begin to age. This is why some of us are mentioning species that are known not to have issues, instead of some species that are known to have issues with harder water, and the associated bacteria typically found in those types of water.

I agree, its around at 2-3 years of age, "just when some soft water fish would be at their peak", that chronic ravages of
hole-in-the head symptoms in conjunction with high nitrate begin show up.
And its not really "just" the pH that's the problem,
High pH water is usually associated with high mineral content, but....it doesn't always associate.
If water is higher in pH but lower in hardness, lower in conductivity, soft water fish can easily tolerate it.
The pH of rain where I live is 8.2, but mineral content (as expected is quite low).
Below Acarichthys heckelli I kept in high pH, and mineral rich eater in WI, these heckelli are about 3 years old in the shot, just beginning to scar up.
Of course stress was probably also a contributor. At maturity, the 150 gal tank, was not spacious enough for what they needed as a group.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/i97/dstuer/Acarichthys/.highres/IMG_3313_zpsfb72c60c.jpg?width=450&height=278&crop=fill

 

[RD.]

This past discussion & associated links within probably covers it all. lol

Whats the big deal about soft water cichlids in hard water. Rant | MonsterFishKeepers.com


HTH

 

[Tripping Willow 91]

Thank you everyone for all your suggestions, this really hasn't gone the way I had expected. I was initially looking at lightly stocking with 3 or 4 central american cichlids and some dither fish, now I'm looking at bigger groups of what I had thought were soft water species. I'd still like to be not to heavy on stock so my new stocking preference would be a small group of red head tapajos (4-6 are they ok in smaller groups?) 1 heros (I like efasciatus and notatus), perhaps 1 hoplo cat and maybe some dither fish. Would these fish really do well in my very hard 20gh (358ppm), 10kh (179ppm), 8ph water? Is it a good mix, are the heros too big, will a lone heros and hoplo work or do they need company of their own species? What does everyone think? The tank will now be 55-60"x18x18 (LxWxH), low light, sand substrate, with large pebbles/rocks, wood and maybe a large tiger lotus

 

[Rocksor]

With the geo redheads being bottom feeders, I personally wouldn't add a hoplos. This will reduce your bioload.

For that length and width of a tank, I would upgrade to 24" high for more water volume (110g), especially since you don't want a heavy bioload. A lone store bought heros efasciatus will be fine.

 

[RD.]

With the geo redheads being bottom feeders, I personally wouldn't add a hoplos. This will reduce your bioload.

Agreed.