Black nasty questions considering a pair

[TillmanCJ]

After I get my fry, I'll start posting discoveries and more info about them. How to keep them healthy, updates, all types of things

 

[TillmanCJ]

After I get my fry, I'll start posting observations and more info about them. How to keep them healthy, updates, feeding videos, etc.

 

[duanes]

I think the problem is, they grow fairly quickly under the right conditions, and need a tank with a large footprint (which many aquarists aren't willing to provide), and hardly have never been good as a community fish. So a pair in a 150 or larger is about all to expect.
The bloat issue only seems to come up when other fish are around, water is cool, and water quality is not perfect.
I changed about 30% every other day in their tank, sometimes every day in summer.
I killed my first 11 out of 12 by not adapting to their stringent requirements, once followed they were easy.

 

[TillmanCJ]

I think the problem is, they grow fairly quickly under the right conditions, and need a tank with a large footprint (which many aquarists aren't willing to provide), and hardly have never been good as a community fish. So a pair in a 150 or larger is about all to expect.
The bloat issue only seems to come up when other fish are around, water is cool, and water quality is not perfect.
I changed about 30% every other day in their tank, sometimes every day in summer.
I killed my first 11 out of 12 by not adapting to their stringent requirements, once followed they were easy.

What should the temp be? Would one 250w work on a 125g growout?

 

[Pond9]

I think the problem is, they grow fairly quickly under the right conditions, and need a tank with a large footprint (which many aquarists aren't willing to provide), and hardly have never been good as a community fish. So a pair in a 150 or larger is about all to expect.
The bloat issue only seems to come up when other fish are around, water is cool, and water quality is not perfect.
I changed about 30% every other day in their tank, sometimes every day in summer.
I killed my first 11 out of 12 by not adapting to their stringent requirements, once followed they were easy.

What footprint 150 a pair require would be better the 24" deep 4ft long be better or a 6ft long 18" deep? I will need to test my water frequently for a while take down my notes how levels and water changes etc to find the "sweet spot" nitrites ammonia 0 obviously but what ppm nitrates would you consider at risk?

 

[BIG-G]

I would say most big cichlids need space to turn and swim. The 6 foot tank would be better IMO

 

[BIG-G]

If it would be possible to step up to a 180 that would be even better. 72X24X24

 

[duanes]

I believe a 6ft tank(or larger) is best.
These cichlids are very strong, and although at times appear lazy, are capable of great bursts of speed, so don't underestimate the tank size needed.
I recommend reading this article
Oh, Island in the Sun. The Dominican Republic by Alf Stalsberg ...
This lets you know about the temps they have evolved to live in, in nature.
And also that no other cichlid (except Tilapia) is found on the island, and a heads up to why trying to keep them in a community situation is probably basically foolish.

 

[Jhay3513]

I believe a 6ft tank(or larger) is best.
These cichlids are very strong, and although at times appear lazy, are capable of great bursts of speed, so don't underestimate the tank size needed.
I recommend reading this article
Oh, Island in the Sun. The Dominican Republic by Alf Stalsberg ...
This lets you know about the temps they have evolved to live in, in nature.
And also that no other cichlid (except Tilapia) is found on the island, and a heads up to why trying to keep them in a community situation is probably basically foolish.

That probably explains why my tetras keep getting killed lol