Earth eather for Istlanum tank...

[cacichlids]

I switched back to sand (instead of Bare Bottom) on the Istlanum tank and I'm looking for a sand sifter that will continuously move the surface of the sand to keep it from developing a film of algae/detritus on it. I'm not asking how to vacuum/stir the detritus manually, I do that already. I just want some help in between water changes.

Is there any Geo/Eartheather that will survive in a 120g tank (60x18x26) with Istlanum? I tried Asthateros Robertsoni a few months ago and they did a great job but these things absolutely despise each other so it's hard to keep more than one.

 

[pckts]

Not sure, but i would love to see some pics, I just got my Istlanum a month ago.

 

[cacichlids]

There's not much to see... they're like 2" at most, got them a month ago as well.

Here's their home:

 

[pckts]

looks like my little bugger has got a little bit of size on yours, but your tank looks great. Do you notice any red on yours yet? Mine seems to look more like the green variety still but i ordered a red one.

 

[cacichlids]

Some of them do have hints of red in their fins and bellies, but very faint. I ordered both Green and Red and I honestly can't tell them apart... the ones showing hints of Red are the bigger ones that came labeled as "Green" so I'll just have to wait til they grow more to be sure. 2 of them were killed already by an aggressive sibling and a third one bloated from the stress.

 

[pckts]

Ya, i would assume around 4'' we will really see some color. I hope ..

 

[cichlidfish]

What about a group of thorichthys? Might stand a better chance then guppies I mean earth eaters hehe

 

[Nemesis]

I don't think any Eartheaters will be able to live with an Istlanum. If you are doing adequate weekly water changes, the Istlanum should kick the sand around more than enough to keep it clean. My guy goes crazy moving the sand in his tank from one side of the tank to the other.