What species of cichlid are these?

[eungkot]

You say the PH is good but what about ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate readings. I’m confused with water changes every three days quarterly as it’s a contradictory statement. "Quarterly" refers to something occurring every three months, which is four times a year.

Oh sorry, what I meant to say I change quarter amount of water in the tank every three days. I don’t know how much exactly in my tank so 1/4th of it I removed and replaced. Sorry my english is so perfect I had bernard shaw as my father. Just joking. I have language problem possibly medical problems where I cannot articulate words properly. Mostly difficulties in articulating adverbs and conjuction. So basically I talk like a cave man. Some broken language. Hope people undertand.
I only test the ammonia and pH. Still waiting on my nitrate/nitride kits. I should have bought the full kit though. Later I will ask you guys on how to read the color in the test, a bit confusing for me.

I was told by a different forum to not change water that much because fish could die with all that tap water. Because fish need ammonia. I donknow how true this is

 

[HUKIT]

Ammonia and nitrite are required as it’s part of the nitrogen cycle but they’re both harmful to fish at elevated levels. It seems like you’re doing 25% water changes every 72 hours which is good. I let my nitrate readings dictate how much and how often for water changes. As long as the tank is cycled with ammonia and nitrite readings at zero you’ll use you nitrate levels to determine your specific water change schedule, once it hits 15-20ppm then do a 50% water change and you’ll determine what your schedule will be. If you’re seeing constant flashing with the fish I’d rule out all the basics such as water quality before adding any medications. You could also try salt dosed at 1 tablespoon (Tbsp) of salt per 3 gallons of water. I’m just not a fan of medications unless it’s absolutely required. Clean water is generally the best course of action. In my opinion generally you can never do too many water changes.

If you don’t have the other water tests kits yet maybe in the mean time you could have your local fish store test it for you.

 

[eungkot]

Ammonia and nitrite are required as it’s part of the nitrogen cycle but they’re both harmful to fish at elevated levels. It seems like you’re doing 25% water changes every 72 hours which is good. I let my nitrate readings dictate how much and how often for water changes. As long as the tank is cycled with ammonia and nitrite readings at zero you’ll use you nitrate levels to determine your specific water change schedule, once it hits 15-20ppm then do a 50% water change and you’ll determine what your schedule will be. If you’re seeing constant flashing with the fish I’d rule out all the basics such as water quality before adding any medications. You could also try salt dosed at 1 tablespoon (Tbsp) of salt per 3 gallons of water. I’m just not a fan of medications unless it’s absolutely required. Clean water is generally the best course of action. In my opinion generally you can never do too many water changes.

If you don’t have the other water tests kits yet maybe in the mean time you could have your local fish store test it for you.

I am doing exactly what you guys are telling me. It turns out I did too many water changes. Now adjusting for 30% water change per week. Too much chlorine water not good. Plus the temperature somehow effecting the flashing. You right as you have said, the salt helps and thanks to you now I have an unused chemical fungus cure at my disposal.

 

[eungkot]

Update:
2 pics for each fish. Can we sex them now or are they still too early? And is it confirmed that they are hybrids off melanura vs Texas cichlid? Looks like the brighter one seems closer to melanura and the darker one retains the shape of vieja but takes the color of Texas cichlid. To be honest, this hybridization kind of disappointed me, was hoping to get a nice pair of synspilum. Looks like the store owner got duped and I am the victim? The only choice left is to raise these fish how I would raise any other fish. Thanks everyone!