Tap water has low pH.

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
And I'm not definitely gona get a jd or Texas those are just some CA cichlids I may end up getting but I'm definitely doing an Oscar.
 
There are hundreds of large South American cichlids that would mix well with oscars in your soft water. Everything from Acarichthys and many other Geophagines, pike cichlids, and any of the chocolate, festivum clades.
JDs and the Herichthyines come from hard mineral rich waters Mexico, and although they might not be affected acutely at first, may in the long run, be prone to chronic ailments that can disfigure them, or at best, keep them from looking their best.
I always wanted the soft water species Uaru fernadenzeppizzi, but my water was hard, so keeping them would probably end up a constant struggle with HITH, to me, not a good idea.
Acarichthys heckelli

Guianacara and Crenicichla
 
Last edited:
I've got the same predicament. I followed the advice above and went with sa fish that like the low ph. One thing I did find out is if you keep inverts keep a constant source of calcium for them.
 
I was really surprised by the results do I picked up a new test kit and apparently my pH is around 6.5/6.6. that would be fine for CA cichlids and said, right?
 
If you are not on well water you may be able to access an annual water quality report from your local utility online. It should give information about nitrate, ph, tds, hardness, etc.....What test kit are you using, I have api and have found if I don't shake the bottle prior to testing I get a ph 6.0 reading which is the bottom of the range for the kit.
 
MonsterFishKeepers.com