300 gallon various questions.

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Randys

Randys

Polypterus
MFK Member
Nov 3, 2015
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Traverse City, Michigan
I've got a 300 that I stocked about 1-1/2 ago with centrals. Here's the current stock:

(2) Cincelichthys Bocourti
(1) Vieja Synspilla
(3) Amphilaphus Sagittae
(2) Astathero Rostratus
(2) Convict

Question#1: I've been feeding NLS since day one but have been wondering if this is balanced enough for all the fish, especially the Bocourti. Should I be supplementing their diet with something different?

Question #2: I started out with (4) Vieja. I lost one early on and then two more have been recently rejected by the biggest of the Vieja. I moved them into a 30 gallon to recover but one of them was too beat up to take the stress of being moved. The other survivor is healing nicely and becoming a good looking fish. I had planned on giving him away once he was 100% figuring he would never be allowed to go back in the 300. Am I correct in my assumption or is there a chance this could work? I hate to risk his health by trying it if the odds are against it working.

Question #3: Ok, now try not to laugh at this one. I figured my stock was complete but every time I go in Petsmart they have 2 or 3 nice looking red devils? What are the odds of THIS working? Or maybe adding TWO? Or just slap me upside of da head if I'm talking foolishness! LOL
Seeing posts of other petsmart red devils REALLY got me wondering about this but my current stock has mellowed nicely and I'm hesitant to mess with a good thing.

Thanks gang.
 
Question one I don’t know. Nor question 2. Question three, Do not get them. Your stock is fine right now. You have 2 relatively small Cichlid species, and it depends how large everything is in your tank as well. If it were me, I would not get it. For other questions, duanes duanes can most likely help
 
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You could always add NLS Algaemax to the fishes diet. They make a mini wafer size that would work great for larger cichlids and would be great for your bocourti
 
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I agree with adding the Algaemax, because bocourti are primarily vegetarians in nature,(especially as they age) so require a diet rich in plant products, I would also add some leafy greens, that aid in their digestion.
This will not hurt the other cichlids either, none are strict carnivores, they are omnivores, especially the Vieja that tend to be about 50% vegetarian.
I also used Algaemax as a primary pellet with my Cribroheros rostratus, and a number of Amphilophines.
1604881177343.png
My bocourti could polish of a head of romaine, or a few entire dandelion plants per day
 
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Any mix will do, but after the first pellets are used up, I'd stick to a pellet heavier inveigles.
Consider even when carnivores eat in nature, they get the benefit of the algae and other stuff in their prey.
The most important thing is getting Vieja and Cincelichthys enough veggies prevent blockages in their longer than the average cichlids digestive tracts.
184D8493-848D-4F06-8F24-13502AF07530_1_201_a.jpeg
 
Thanks Duanes.

If I were to switch to a veggie pellet don't I need to be concerned about the amphilaphus getting enough protein?

Also, what are the needs of the Astathero Rostratus? I'm having a hard time verifying this.
 
Amphilophus are not strict carnivores, but omnivores. In nature they feed on snails, insects and their larvae, algae, and detritus in nature, and even Spirulina that mimic that diet based pellets have plenty enough protein.
 
I've hung large stalks of roman lettuce from the top of the tank a couple of times. Man, they suck that stuff down!

Can you over feed veggies?

I plan on keeping the same feeding regiment with pellets but I'm wondering how often I should supplement with veggies.
 
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