Adding new cichlids

[Rocksor]

Agreed, high stocking of SA or CA aggressive cichlids does cause stress which leads to lowered immune systems. They are not like Africans who can thrive in overcrowded conditions . 4 years is close to half their lifespan.

 

[SLS_23]

Likely stress was the killer

Unfortunately, it was ascites that I got out of feeding

 

[Rocksor]

Ascites from over feeding over 4 years?

 

[SLS_23]

Ascites from over feeding over 4 years?

I got guppies for feeding and they were ill.

 

[Cichlids-r-beasts]

Buttikoferi pair and a Labiatus pair….things aren’t going to end well.

 

[anitstuk123]

What illness did the guppies have?

 

[Friller2009]

What illness did the guppies have?

It's just poor genetics.

 

[SLS_23]

Buttikoferi pair and a Labiatus pair….things aren’t going to end well.

I have Buttikoferi in another tank. They have less than 20cm now

 

[duanes]

The Vieja you mention are omnivores, tending toward the vegetarian side, so feeding them feeder fish, is probably not a good idea on many fronts (The least being feeder fish are notorious for bringing pathogenic infections into the tank), and plant (algae based)based food often bring out colors you may not see, if using animal based (fish) foods.

 

[Rocksor]

I got guppies for feeding and they were ill.

Why were you feeding sick guppies? That's a recipe for disaster in the making.