Dwarf Cichlids, In Tap Water

[Wills]

Typically the males should be a gold base with blue sides and the females are gold with black patches/stripes. The pics you see around for them are usually more scientific based photos rather than quality aquatic hobby specimens. The quality of the tank will bring out the best colours.

 

[AdAndrews]

thanks for your help mate

 

[lalo99]

I'd say that they should be fine with that pH. There are a few ways that you can lower it a bit, though. One of those ways is to put a bit of peat moss in the filter. Another way is to add bogwood to the tank. The bogwood releases tannins. The tannins slightly brown the water, but it also lowers the pH a bit. I personally think that the brown water is mighty fine looking if the tank has the right "theme".

both those methods are a no no, its a planted tank, so i want to keep the water crystal clear. thansk for your help

You can safely use both methods in a planted tank. Clear water is personal preferance. Lowering PH is much harder than raising it. Your PH is fine for most fish. If you go with a species that come from water witha low ph. Make sure its been acclimated to a higher ph or you will have to acclimate the fish to a higher ph. I'm just saying dont buy fish that are in water with a ph of 6.0 and expect to throw them in your water. Good Luck. BTW most cichlids dig so expect some.

 

[flyhawk]

i just wanted to through in that i have a pair of bolivian rams, and there coloring really well, and are really beautiful
my tap is just under 8.0, and i use tap

 

[ChilliPepper]

I have Bolivian Rams and Keyholes are they are fine in my water at ph 7.5. I don't do anything with the water as don't like to mess about with things. There are three pieces of bogwood in there, but I doubt they do anything.

thanks, i was thinking about bolivian rams, but i read they like to dig in some sand, so, with the tank planted 100% coverage that is not really a goer.

They aren't great diggers in my experience, just sift through the sand for food like most fish. They like a planted tank and don't touch the plants, so sound ideal for your tank actually.

 

[AdAndrews]

thanks, i'll be sure to post some pics up when i get whatever im getting but its likely to be around a month