Pic thread

[Stanzzzz7]

So sorry to hear that

No worries on the thread, just glad you’re back. I have 5 in a separate tank. All female but one of the younger ones looks to be turning male. Trying to get them to grow as big as possible to hopefully add to the 150g one day. Hopefully breed more too. I just worry about the tetras as they have eaten small ones before. Eventually I’ll be reducing the cichlid stock as they grow.
I am really glad you chimed in, because I have collected some very dry branches. I need to remove some of the driftwood, because it’s decomposing and chunks of wood litter the substrate and it doesn’t look nice. What do you think of these? Also is this green fungus on the branch safe for the fish? One more question-what is the best way to prepare the branches?

View attachment 1314568 View attachment 1314569

Steve, do you know what kind of tree those branches are off?
It's hard to say without knowing. Most hardwoods are safe.
To be honest I have used branches of unknown origin and I've never had any issues.
If they are completely dried out and you pour boiling water over them and they are not a pine or softwood,then chances are you will be fine.
I can't give you a definite green light without knowing what tree they are from.
I would risk it, but it's your call mate.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

So sorry to hear that

No worries on the thread, just glad you’re back. I have 5 in a separate tank. All female but one of the younger ones looks to be turning male. Trying to get them to grow as big as possible to hopefully add to the 150g one day. Hopefully breed more too. I just worry about the tetras as they have eaten small ones before. Eventually I’ll be reducing the cichlid stock as they grow.
I am really glad you chimed in, because I have collected some very dry branches. I need to remove some of the driftwood, because it’s decomposing and chunks of wood litter the substrate and it doesn’t look nice. What do you think of these? Also is this green fungus on the branch safe for the fish? One more question-what is the best way to prepare the branches?

View attachment 1314568 View attachment 1314569

Steve, do you know what kind of tree those branches are off?
It's hard to say without knowing. Most hardwoods are safe.
To be honest I have used branches of unknown origin and I've never had any issues.
If they are completely dried out and you pour boiling water over them and they are not a pine or softwood,then chances are you will be fine.
I can't give you a definite green light without knowing what tree they are from.
I would risk it, but it's your call mate.

 

[Toiletcar]

Steve, do you know what kind of tree those branches are off?
It's hard to say without knowing. Most hardwoods are safe.
To be honest I have used branches of unknown origin and I've never had any issues.
If they are completely dried out and you pour boiling water over them and they are not a pine or softwood,then chances are you will be fine.
I can't give you a definite green light without knowing what tree they are from.
I would risk it, but it's your call mate.

Thanks Darren.
I’m thinking oak, because that was the type of tree I found them under.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Thanks Darren.
I’m thinking oak, because that was the type of tree I found them under.

If you think it's oak, your good to go I would say.

 

[Toiletcar]

If you think it's oak, your good to go I would say.

I’m still not 100% sure. I might keep looking.

 

[Toiletcar]

I’ve been trying to get decent natural light pics. I love these fish in sunlight. I hate the glare though.

 

[Gourami Swami]

colors really pop in the sun! nice

 

[Toiletcar]

colors really pop in the sun! nice

Thanks man. The tank gets a decent amount of sunlight in the mornings. Love watching the fish w/ a cup of coffee in the morning. It’s a good way to start the day.

 

[vinod_uthaiah]

Very nice fishes .... wonder how you keep the white substrate so clean.

 

[Toiletcar]

Very nice fishes .... wonder how you keep the white substrate so clean.

Thanks!

It’s probably a combo of things. Most likely feeding my fish one a day every other day. Also these guys are always digging and sifting through the sand. One benefit to earth eating cichlids is they constantly stir up the substrate. Maybe some of that waste gets sucked up by the filter more frequently. I only have a FX5, and need to get that intake closer to the substrate. The hoses need to be replaced anyway. I do want to add a power filter eventually.
Back to feeding, I am thinking of feeding the little ones more for growth. Luckily they are the only ones that will take food from the surface, and I won’t have to worry about over feeding. So I might feed them everyday, and maybe cut back on the other fish making it every 2 days. Bigger fish create bigger waste, and they don’t need to eat often.