Balzani - a couple of questions

[DJOHN13147]

Picked up 5 3" Balzani this weekend. Its my understanding that they originated in Florida (farm raised) and are the Paraguay race. Currently in a 5' 120g - temp is 75 degrees, PH neutral-ish.

Questions:

1 - how are they as far as eating...had them two days, and they cannot compete with the three 4"-5" tinfoil barbs in the tank...will that change or should I look into unloading the tinfoils?

2 -Other cichlid/non cichlid tankmates...what are my options with the understanding that I wont have my heaters set above 74-75F?

Any info would be greatly appreciated

thanks

 

[edburress]

I don't think they'll ever compete with the barbs. They mostly feed from the substrate and seem to be slow eaters compared to most fish. They are really nice though, I'm sure you'll enjoy them!

Ed

 

[peathenster]

I had a group of farm raised ones before and loved them. I was told that they may not necessarily need cooler temperature as wild fish do. so I kept them like other SAs. They bred like rabbits...very fun fish.

Edit: Ed covered the feeding part. I meant to say that if you keep them in "normal" SA conditions, you'd have more choices for tank mates. If you want to keep them cool, ask Ken if he has any Uruguayan fish left. I know he has some Australoheros....maybe some small pikes and wild tetras too.