SA cichlids like their water a little softer, CA cichlids like it a little harder. But in aquariums it doesnt matter having it perfect. Since most of these fish are born and raised in aquariums they can adapt. Alot of them are hardy tooo so they can take a wide range of water conditions. With the african cichlid, you probably dont have to worry.
There is some fish that are sensitve to water conditions and it would be detrimental to them, but with your stock its fine. The thing about dithers is they also add movement and color to your tank as well. But dithers are risky cause they can/will get caught sometimes. But they are nice to add in breeding tanks.
For mid swimming fish I'd jsut go with another cichlid. Most cichlids tend to swim all areas. I would suggest a smaller cichlid, one that grows 6 inches or under. The convicts stay pretty small, so does the firemouth, the zebra I dont know, and the bichir can grow up to a foot.
There is some fish that are sensitve to water conditions and it would be detrimental to them, but with your stock its fine. The thing about dithers is they also add movement and color to your tank as well. But dithers are risky cause they can/will get caught sometimes. But they are nice to add in breeding tanks.
For mid swimming fish I'd jsut go with another cichlid. Most cichlids tend to swim all areas. I would suggest a smaller cichlid, one that grows 6 inches or under. The convicts stay pretty small, so does the firemouth, the zebra I dont know, and the bichir can grow up to a foot.
