Actually, I'm not. I've only tried keeping them once before (in R/O water) and it didn't go well. The only way they became somewhat happier was when I put them in my micro pond where they couldn't be viewed (except from the top). When they were in my aquarium everytime I walked into the room, they'd go into panic mode. However, those were nearly full grown wild adults. These are only 3 inches (full length) or so. Even though I just received today, they're eating flakes and are acting much happier than the other group I had previously. I think getting younger animals and growing them out might be a much better option.
Here in Palm Springs, we also have super hard and alkaline water and that's what they're in. To my happiness and surprise they're doing incredibly well (knock on wood) Fortunately I"ve not experienced the PH bouncing.....it's just flat as hard as a rock. The R/O thing was so much work and the fish ended up totally unhappy anyway. Here's 3 fish species in the tank; L-95 Plecos, Altums and the Pandas. L-95's are my favorite fish. I'd tried them before here at the standard 10-12" they're usually imported at and failed. Than a couple of years back Jeff Rapps got in 2-3" babies, the first and only time I've ever seen. Well, that was the magic bullet. Got the altums not too long ago and they're putting on size like crazy. I really do think getting small gives the fish a better chance of adapting when they come from extreme conditions as these do.
I'll see if I can get a video together for you Hank ?
