So after my weeks holiday to Gran Canaria I came home to a lot of interesting developments.
The most notable IMO, is how much they have all grown! The 5 smaller fish are ranging in between 2.5-3" TL, Andy is tipping the scales at around 4" TL but is far bulkier! Sally is the largest of the 5 and is by far the most colourful. Even more so than Andy! (I haven't managed to get any pictures of fish, however, I will try this week).
Whilst away my mother was taking care of my fish, feeding every other day (portions I made up, which were apparantly not large enough because my two FRNT's are gone!) so nitrates were only 20ppm upon return. However I did a 30-40% cool water change - mainly because she swears that Sally was protecting what she believed to be eggs!? She said that in the far left corner behing the large rocks the darkest fish (Sally) was staying and would chase anything that came near. However, as some will know, Mums are a little less knowledgable and when relaying stories it came become somewhat vague. So, I'm not quite sure if they have or haven't, but I'm more inclined to say haven't because they are displaying the same behaviour as they were before I left. I'm hoping the cool w/c and some good food might induce some breeding. Although, I did stir the tank up a lot during the w/c, which caused ww3 between them all. They all had to fight! Sally being the winner out if the 5, obv. Andy was the real winner. This may mean the teritories are broken and therefore they may not!
So with the recent occurances I have decided to keep hold of the SDs as they are great dithers and with a pair hopefully forming they will be needed. So as for planting, that will be put on hold for now. However, I exchanged the smaller rocks for larger ones and created a lot more hiding places. I think the hardscape looks good. I did this mainly because there were a few tatty fins upon return.
So, sorry if I have waffled on. I hope you enjoyed the update. Here are some pictures of the tank atm, I will try to get some pictures of the fish this week. But I start my new job tomorrow, so I am very busy
Here is a before one for reference - similar but more functional and better IMO.
The most notable IMO, is how much they have all grown! The 5 smaller fish are ranging in between 2.5-3" TL, Andy is tipping the scales at around 4" TL but is far bulkier! Sally is the largest of the 5 and is by far the most colourful. Even more so than Andy! (I haven't managed to get any pictures of fish, however, I will try this week).
Whilst away my mother was taking care of my fish, feeding every other day (portions I made up, which were apparantly not large enough because my two FRNT's are gone!) so nitrates were only 20ppm upon return. However I did a 30-40% cool water change - mainly because she swears that Sally was protecting what she believed to be eggs!? She said that in the far left corner behing the large rocks the darkest fish (Sally) was staying and would chase anything that came near. However, as some will know, Mums are a little less knowledgable and when relaying stories it came become somewhat vague. So, I'm not quite sure if they have or haven't, but I'm more inclined to say haven't because they are displaying the same behaviour as they were before I left. I'm hoping the cool w/c and some good food might induce some breeding. Although, I did stir the tank up a lot during the w/c, which caused ww3 between them all. They all had to fight! Sally being the winner out if the 5, obv. Andy was the real winner. This may mean the teritories are broken and therefore they may not!
So with the recent occurances I have decided to keep hold of the SDs as they are great dithers and with a pair hopefully forming they will be needed. So as for planting, that will be put on hold for now. However, I exchanged the smaller rocks for larger ones and created a lot more hiding places. I think the hardscape looks good. I did this mainly because there were a few tatty fins upon return.
So, sorry if I have waffled on. I hope you enjoyed the update. Here are some pictures of the tank atm, I will try to get some pictures of the fish this week. But I start my new job tomorrow, so I am very busy
Here is a before one for reference - similar but more functional and better IMO.
