Acquired Mbuna Cichlids And Tank, Help :s

[KenGee333]

Hello everyone!

Please bear with me here, I'll try and be as descriptive as possible (I'm a little flustered!).

A friend of mine had to leave town a few weeks ago, and gave me (dumped) his 35GAL tank. Here are all the details:

The tank is small, I know. However, like I said, it was dumped on me and would have never been my choice. I'm thinking of upgrading the tank, however I'll need time to find a suitable tank and whatnot.

The tank is set up with sandy substrate, 3 small limestone chunks (probably about 1lb combined), a few live plants, various decorations, big and small (which serve as shelter), a bubbler and filter.

The fish in the tank are:

1 x Hypostomus Plecostomus
2 x Unbanded Kuhli Loach

1 x Melanochromis Auratus
1 x Metriaclima/Pseudotropheus Greshakei
1 x Pseudotropheus Saulosi
2 x Pseudotropheus Socolofi (Albino)
2 x Pseudotropheus Demasoni
3 x Labidochromis Caeruleus

I was leery at first, however I'm more comfortable with the idea now. However, I need to know the basics in order to give these fish a fighting chance! I've read the startup guides and what not, however, is there any advice you can all give me? I know that the limestone is increasing the ph, but that's about the extent of my knowledge. I've read that the ph should be in the 7.8-8.2 range, and that I should also be aware of the GH and KH levels. Is there anything else? What's the best way of testing AND managing all 3? I'm taking a trip to the pet store tomorrow (PetSmart) to buy any necessities for the tank, and would love some help! Any input whatsoever would be greatly appreciated! Thank you all very much in advance.

Cheers,

KenGee

 

[mag123]

first get yourself a good liquid test kit you might find that your water is ok .

 

[Whitester]

U should get lots of rocks for hiding spots. They will battle for awhile until everyone finds a new hiding spot. How are things going?

 

[Squidward]

I would get rid of the Plec. It will get far too big for your tank.
And also rehome the Khulis, they want softer water.
The Rift Valley Synodontis catfish are more suited to a Malawi setup.

As has been said above, lots of rocks, the more the better.

 

[char la]

I've read that the ph should be in the 7.8-8.2 range, and that I should also be aware of the GH and KH levels. Is there anything else? What's the best way of testing AND managing all 3?

Kh dictates pH, if you manage the correct Kh then your pH will be correct. In my aquarium i dont test Gh, i concentrate on Kh. Kh is the levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium salts on the water, Gh is all the dissolved minerals. The Kh is your buffer for your pH, so dont buy products that just adjust the pH because if your Kh is low it will just drop again, buy a product that will adjust your Kh. I generally keep my Kh between 10 to 15ppm and that keeps my pH between 8.0 to 8.2.

 

[KenGee333]

Thanks to everyone for your helpful replies! I've been able to manage this tank decently since acquiring it thanks to your help! I believe I've incorrectly identified a few of the fish though. Originally I had these listed as the fish:

1 x Melanochromis Auratus
1 x Metriaclima/Pseudotropheus Greshakei
1 x Pseudotropheus Saulosi
2 x Pseudotropheus Socolofi (Albino)
2 x Pseudotropheus Demasoni
3 x Labidochromis Caeruleus

However, I believe that the Demasoni's are actually 2 female Lombardoi's. As for the Saulosi, I'm really not sure. It's an orange fish with the pale vertical bars. Regardless, they've all survived and I'm ever so grateful for everyone's help! You've all been fantastic! Thank you so much.

Cheers