The Stunners ~ RTM pair/New Tank

[JK47]

I moved everyone and they have settled into their new (to them) tank well. Week one I have the first spawn in the new tank. More changes in the future to come but thought I would post a few pics of the stunners in the new scape. The male has grown a lot, the female not even a tiny bit.

I do believe early spawning in CA cichlids causes slow growth. No SA species I've kept was like this but every proliphic CA species I've kept seems to really slow the growth in females.















Within an hour or so of shooting a few pics they did the deed on their new spot on the background.



And THIS is why I can't get a straight on shot for a decent FTS of their tank but it's worth the limited view. The 6'x3' ray tank is blocking the way.

 

[we4wieners]

Justin, they are crazy beautiful. What size tank are they in?

 

[probassfisher010]

Beautiful pair and tank, do you make your backgrounds? I'm sure you've answered this somewhere, sorry. And I do agree that young breeding sa/ca cichlids will grow slower and possibly even shorter life span.... I have a female convict that is 8 years old, 4.5" long, grew that large within her first 2 years, and has never spawned with a male.


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[JK47]

Justin, they are crazy beautiful. What size tank are they in?

Thanks Brian! They are in a 4'x2' 120 gallon with a 40 gallon sump and a 1,200 GPH Reeflo pump.

Beautiful pair and tank, do you make your backgrounds? I'm sure you've answered this somewhere, sorry. And I do agree that young breeding sa/ca cichlids will grow slower and possibly even shorter life span.... I have a female convict that is 8 years old, 4.5" long, grew that large within her first 2 years, and has never spawned with a male.


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Thanks Jesse! Yeah I have to agree boss. I've been some what bummed to see such a slow growth rate on her but she is spawning every 30 days max so I understand. I wish she would take a break and am considering deviding them for a while.

The backgrounds come from www.designsbynature.net. I am waaaay to lazy/talent lacking to build my own. It would look like a beer can insprired pancake.. I buy premade

 

[fishman09]

wow they are looking great Justin! ive had the same slow growth rate with my female freddy but my male has grown super fast.

 

[JK47]

wow they are looking great Justin! ive had the same slow growth rate with my female freddy but my male has grown super fast.

Thanks Forrest! Yeah her growth rat has been depressing but his is impressive. They are an amazing pair though. He is a killer and she is tough as nail and takes no crap. I have 8 red hooks in with them as dithers to keep him distracted. They are the perfect dither IMO, I highly recommend them.

 

[GarNiac]

great looking tank

 

[surfpalmsncycads]

awsome set up! both very nice but the male is just incredible! how big is he? i have quite a few pairs of rtm and seems once the female spawns she slows growing alot!. again nice pair you have yourself there! hope they continue to do well for you.

 

[Tayler]

Real Nice man. Do you always have to have the nicest setups?

 

[Chrisplosion]

Looking great Justin. RTM pair is looking great and so is the ray.