Anyone with experience with SA dwarf cichalids

[Kingster]

Where I was living in Portland OR the water was extremely soft and trended in the 6-7 ph naturally out of the tap (and later I learned that due to the softness, the pH would drop even further, below 6.) I think that helped with some of the SA species. I did use leaf litter until I learned how low my pH was dropping, then took it out.

My checkerboards weren't as robust or long lived as the others, though. Only a couple years. Maybe with all the leaf litter there'd be even longer term success.

Here are pics of the male. I had the maculatus. Also WC. I think the filamentous can be found CB maybe? Might be more long lived if so?

My checkerboards weren't quite as in your face as some of the other cichlids, either. They were just more mild in general. I do like the in your face fish that interact.

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BUDDY... #1 THANSK for showing me those leaf litter jewels, i dont think i am ready fro checkerbored cichlids yet, too much of a risk if they die. money is kinda an issue. So should i got with 5 curviceps and 3 apistos? or 5 apistos and 3 curviceps? if i go with 5 apistos i would do Pandoru, if i go with 3, then i can chose from panduro, macmastri, and trisfacite, my plan is te get 3 inch deep leaf litter with twigs, coconuts, and bark hopefully WHAT 9 dwarf cichlaids would you chose?

 

[Kingster]

Where I was living in Portland OR the water was extremely soft and trended in the 6-7 ph naturally out of the tap (and later I learned that due to the softness, the pH would drop even further, below 6.) I think that helped with some of the SA species. I did use leaf litter until I learned how low my pH was dropping, then took it out.

My checkerboards weren't as robust or long lived as the others, though. Only a couple years. Maybe with all the leaf litter there'd be even longer term success.

Here are pics of the male. I had the maculatus. Also WC. I think the filamentous can be found CB maybe? Might be more long lived if so?

My checkerboards weren't quite as in your face as some of the other cichlids, either. They were just more mild in general. I do like the in your face fish that interact.

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plus the behavior and colors i want are that of the checkerboard cichalid...... how could i possible maintain, they seem like a alot of maintenance and work... i dont think there good for a low budget aquarium eh?

 

[Stanzzzz7]

how about pandoros?

I've never kept them so can't really say.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

for me
unsexed panduros are $5.00
Macmastri is $9.00
trifasciata are $12.00 and i have to wait till there in stock, plus shipping is 21$
you think i should get 4 of 2 species or 8 of panduros?

It's up to you but personally I like same species groups. To me it looks more natural.

 

[Kingster]

It's up to you but personally I like same species groups. To me it looks more natural.

true, but there is always a minority amoungest the majority

 

[Kingster]

It's up to you but personally I like same species groups. To me it looks more natural.

the apistos you are saying are good looking but cost way too much rip

 

[Kingster]

It's up to you but personally I like same species groups. To me it looks more natural.

would a group of 8 apistos work out in a 120 covered in leaf litter? they would all start out before maturity

 

[Kingster]

It's up to you but personally I like same species groups. To me it looks more natural.

plus 3 curviceps

 

[Stanzzzz7]

the apistos you are saying are good looking but cost way too much rip

The borelli is quite common and cheap here in the UK. I can't speak for prices in Canada.
I suggested borelli for their hardiness and tolerance of cooler temps and harder water

 

[twentyleagues]

I think if you want a better chance of them acting naturally then id say go with a larger group of 1 kind. And then like you mentioned before some other type of schooling fish like the rummynose.