What I've learned in 7 months of fish keeping

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
cannedham

cannedham

Gambusia
MFK Member
Sep 18, 2024
24
32
16
35
7 months = 7 lessons

1st - A 75 gallon seems big... but it is not when keeping CA/SA cichlids
2nd - There is a ton of information out there, but sometimes you just need to find out firsthand through trial and error
3rd - The day after a water change & cleaning is the best time to view the tank
4th - Live plants look amazing once they establish their root systems
5th - Time and patience are KEY!
6th - JDs and GTs grow SLOW!
7th - UNS Controsand (Pacifica) might be the best-looking substrate I've seen in a setup. Will definitely use in a setup in the future.

The JD and GT are OGs in the tank. Got them around 2.5" and they are barely 4" now.
The Nic/HRP (what it was labeled as in the LFS) is the newcomer.
The JD is always the pale coloration... which I'm assuming is a substrate issue (She is the dominant one in the tank).

Just sharing as much has changed from the original setup in November 2024.

Pic1.jpg

Pic2.jpg

Pic3.jpg

Pic4.jpg
 
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: Deadeye, abominus, Something Fishy Here and 4 others
cannedham said:
7 months = 7 lessons

1st - A 75 gallon seems big... but it is not when keeping CA/SA cichlids
2nd - There is a ton of information out there, but sometimes you just need to find out firsthand through trial and error
3rd - The day after a water change & cleaning is the best time to view the tank
4th - Live plants look amazing once they establish their root systems
5th - Time and patience are KEY!
6th - JDs and GTs grow SLOW!
7th - UNS Controsand (Pacifica) might be the best-looking substrate I've seen in a setup. Will definitely use in a setup in the future.

The JD and GT are OGs in the tank. Got them around 2.5" and they are barely 4" now.
The Nic/HRP (what it was labeled as in the LFS) is the newcomer.
The JD is always the pale coloration... which I'm assuming is a substrate issue (She is the dominant one in the tank).

Just sharing as much has changed from the original setup in November 2024.

View attachment 1562630

View attachment 1562631

View attachment 1562632

View attachment 1562633
Click to expand...
I love the colours on the Nicaraguan, it’s looking beautiful. Is picture 2 the JD, it’s almost unrecognisable?! The tank looks great, I’m also newish and have been keeping fish for 9 months so nice to here what others have learnt.:)
 
  • Like
Reactions: cannedham and tlindsey
Yup... picture 2 is the JD. I'm bummed because this is the one fish I really wanted to develop the best color. It would just be a nightmare to change the substrate out in an apartment. Once I'm out of the apartment, I plan to change the substrate to something darker... which will hopefully encourage her to darken up.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ancistrus Fan
cannedham said:
Yup... picture 2 is the JD. I'm bummed because this is the one fish I really wanted to develop the best color. It would just be a nightmare to change the substrate out in an apartment. Once I'm out of the apartment, I plan to change the substrate to something darker... which will hopefully encourage her to darken up.
Click to expand...
Just sprinkle some dark gravel and pebbles randomly over the white sand...no sweat!
 
  • Like
Reactions: ken31cay, Something Fishy Here, Americancichlidsaredabest and 2 others
JDs mimic the color of subtrate to make them less vulnerable tp predators from above.
This is enstinctual, and doesn't go away just because the live in a tank.
www.youtube.com

YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
In the video above, where JDs live in nature, the white hue of the rock work, influences how they color up.
Below with darker substrate, ddark colors are more intense.
But also notice toward the end of the video, where juvie JDs live in more shallow conditions, their colors are lighter.
Here are some still shots taken where JDs live.
With most cichlids, a bright white substrate will wash their coclors out.
Above a nicarugense placed in less light substrate.
Below a female nic
Below a nic trio, a male and 2 females
 
  • Like
Reactions: Americancichlidsaredabest
jake37 said:
I would like to point out there are many excellent sa/ca cichild that stay under 4 inch; which are more suitable for a 75 ;)
Click to expand...
Absolutely as I’ve said in the past amatitlania and cryptoheros are my two favorite genus. You get all the color, personality, and parenting traits as their larger cousins with a lot less of the murderous tendencies.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom