an african question

[wrs]

if you read this thread
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=90473

you will read about mf lfs troubles.

Now I dont think that it is true that 7.2-7.6 is good for the africans, but is it? They did advise me to switch to them, and I have wanted to do cichlids for a while, and you can have 15 africans in a 55 so that is good.

If that is true what kind of cichlids can I put in a 55 and how many of each etc?

 

[Ferris]

Hi wrs

A ph of 7.5 -8.5 is what Mbuna experience in their natural environment so a high ph is good in theory. However your ph is only marginally above neutral and shouldn't adversely affect any fish. Plus most fish are now raised in captivity which means their natural environment is almost irrelevant in terms of ph.

Basically your ph is fine for Africans and you could put 15 Mbuna in a 55 gal comfortably. As for species, well there are so many to choose from but do your research well to make sure the fish you want are compatible. Decide what you would like and post your choices here for some good advice and tips. Freddyk is our resident expert who i'm sure you have come accross and what he doesn't know about Mbuna (amongst other things) isn't worth knowing.

Hope this helps

 

[Big Rob]

Generally, most african keepers like a Ph of 8.2

You can find homemade buffer recipes on the net that will bring up your ph and maintain it. Usually they involve baking soda and epsom salt...

 

[wrs]

I do have some rocks that do bring up the PH.

I did have alot of rocks that I was to use for cichlids but my brother took them all on me!

well, I will only be buying fish from my petsmart, which is really good, as the lfs does not have a return policy on any cichlids, which IMO is rediculous. I know petsmart sells electric yellows, zebras, albino cichlids that I am not sure of the type, and something called thick liped cichlids.

The lfs though barely ever has any colorful cichlids, but I am thinking of getting my first ones there, because they do have a larger variety. I will only buy one or two cheap ones though, so if they die I will not care if I dont get my money back.