-- pH of tank and tap (before and after water change) ph has been steady at around 7-7.4 can’t get it to move up any further I’ve tried adding activated carbon to the filter but no results
***Messing with pH is a bad idea. Please explain why you want it to move up? I don't see any need. Carbon would have no effect on pH. Carbon is a waste of space and money IMhumO.
-- carbonate and general hardness, KH and GH, by a liquid test KH was a tad above 40 GH is at 100
***KH is a bit low 40 ppm = 2 grain or 2 droplets or 2 degree. You need more carbonate in your water E.g., a small bag of crushed coral in your filter. With such low KH you may experience pH swings, especially as the fish grow and the bioload increases. You probably want to shoot for KH of at least 6 droplets but a liquid test. Ditch strips if this is what you use.
-- what species jewel cichlid, lemon Oscar and a peacock bass; they’re all under 2 “
***Soon your RTC will grow and eat them up.
-- how often cleaned every couple weeks or so
***Unless you provide explaining details, to me this is excessive, should be at least months not weeks, or longer.
-- what is the fish fed? Rosies every now and then small worms and I bought cichlid pellets that the catfish started eating
-- how much half a dozen rosies every week a few worms and only enough pellets for them to eat right away
***So the RTC is eating. You must be all set then? Don't feed the fish live feeder fish or you will introduce a bad pathogen sooner or later.
-- the entire tank in the process of prepping them for a move to a larger tank so photos will have to wait
***Sorry, I don't see a connection.
