Difference between african Riverine and Rift Lake?

[Piranha_Tim]

Hi,

Seems like an obvious question (maybe?)

Are they just different areas (ie. more plants shallow waters)

Or

Do they actually have different water needs? (as in one needs salt or other)

I am asking because I plan on venturing down the African Cichlid way and I am looking to target my questions in the correct area.

On most forums they are simply divided South American and African

 

[Piranha_Tim]

Basically I am asking if Riverine or Rift Lake come with any extra challenges or are they just a way to sub categories the many African cichlid species?

 

[gobucks1]

They are very different, species from the Rift lakes like Hard, Alkaline water. Most riverine species like Soft acid water.

 

[Piranha_Tim]

Excellent thank you thats exactly what I needed to know. The reason I am venturing down this route is because my water comes out of tap at 8.4PH -> 8.6PH and I heard Africans love it.

So I want Rift Lake ok ...

 

[x0x0x0]

With a pH that high you can try Lake Tanganyikan Cichlids. It's just right on the spot in terms of pH needs. Lake Malawi is a little lower than that but it wouldn't hurt to go that route either. African Riverines would do best in lower pH levels.