Subj : Re: Mama Mbuna's Final Release Of Fry
To   : Carol Shenkenberger
From : Jeff Snyder
Date : Sat Nov 28 2009 01:35 am

On 11/28/09, Jeff Snyder quoted Carol Shenkenberger: Re: Mama Mbuna's
Final Release Of Fry.

CS> Maybe I might want to try these in my smaller tank.  humm


Carol, if you are saying that you might be interested in trying out some
Malawi cichlids -- such as my mbunas -- or even some other African cichlids,
there are a few things that you should know.

1) Whether you maintain a community African cichlids tank, or a species
African cichlids tank, due to natural aggression, size, mating habits, etc.,
you are going to need at minimum, a four-foot long tank of 45 gallons, and
preferably larger.

2) If you are not interested in breeding them, then the best route to take
is to purchase all guaranteed males, with as striking a color contrast as is
possible. The reason for this is that cichlids of similar colors and body
markings are more prone to spar and posture -- to the point of killing each
other.

3) If you intend to set up a species tank, then it is best to get at least
four -- or more -- guaranteed females for each male in the tank. To be
honest, a four-foot tank will really only accommodate one male with a harem
of females. Even then, once the females reach maturity, if they are like my
lone female, they will be spawning every 30-40 days max.

Actually, even saying that we breed cichlids is kind of a joke, because if
you set up a tank as described above, they will just do what is natural, as
long as your water quality is high, and they are well cared for.

Concerning water quality, a weekly partial water change of 25-50% is a must.
Also, African cichlids do best in hard alkaline water, which is what we get
out of the tap here, which is why it is so easy for me to care for my fish.

If you live in a place where the water is soft and acidic, you are going to
have to condition your water, including when you top off the tank, and do
weekly water changes.

Hope the above info helps. If you have any questions, just let me know, and
I'll try to respond.

Just let me say that raising African cichlids is a very rewarding
experience. Malawi cichlids are my favorites.

Jeff Snyder, SysOp - Armageddon BBS  Visit us at endtimeprophecy.org port 23
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