Compressicep, Help!

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I would buy a freshwater master test kit. I would also read alot on this forum as to the proper maintenance of an aquarium. without water changes and proper water parameters sensitive fish like these are not going to survive. Also according to your list of fish in the tank success is going to be difficult if not imposible.

In a african rift lake aquarium the PH should be between 7.6 and 9.2 depending on which lake the fish are from.

Also the water should be anywhere from very hard to extremely hard.


Tanganyikan Cichlids are very sensitive to contaminants in the water, Test for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, Phosphate. Also make sure you are using a quality dechlorinator.
 
I would do the same as above.... The test kits needs to contain ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. After that pH, and hardness would be nice additions. I wouldn't be overly concerned with pH at this point, unless it is very, very low. Start doing that 1/4 water change weekly. The fish are only going to grow and produce more waste, but only with clean water.

One of the best things I have seen on this site...

"the solution to pollution is dilution"
(Thanks to Pufferpunk)
 
Thanks guys for trying to help me, but too late my 3 large compressiceps died. :( I'll try again once my tank water is more stable. By the way may I know wat is the right PH level for tanganyika?
Thanks
 
78 - 80 degrees F.
pH ranges from 8.7 to 9.4

My water is maybe 7.4 and Tanganyikans thrive in my tank. The water is however, very hard which seems to benefit all Africans. If you are not buing wild caught fish, the pH, unless low, should be fine as long as it is stable. Compressiceps and Calvus require clean water that can only be had by a good WC schedule.

Did you get a test kit? If so, what does it contain?

A test for hardness is a good addition to have, if it does not contain one. Hardness in water helps with pH buffering, basically helps keep pH steady.
 
I would keep looking for a better test kit before adding any more $140 Comps. or Calvus. Keep doing the water changes....
 
Ok guys I managed to get a JBL 5 in 1 test kit and the reading for my water is:
NO3 - between 50-100mg/l
NO2 - 1 mg/l
GH - >7*d
KH - 10*d
PH - 8.0
So what do you think? is this good or bad? :)
 
If I remember right NO2 is nitrite. Any nitrite is BAD for most tanganyikan cichlids. Nitrate is higher than ideal as well. My guess is that the tank is fairly new??? Those numbers give me the feeling that the tank wasn't cycled completely.

All the other stuff is fine though
 
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