Help With Stocking Malawi

[bishop04]

I am going over to malawi fish from tropical and am getting rid of my current fish. Only my 2 pictus catfish are mint and ide love to keep them. Would there be any problems keeping pictus with cichlids? please help!

 

[stang1]

Pictus Cats prefer a PH of 7 or lower whereas the Malawi prefer one of 8 and above.

 

[bishop04]

I am going over to malawi fish from tropical and am getting rid of my current fish. Only my 2 pictus catfish are mint and ide love to keep them. Would there be any problems keeping pictus with cichlids? please help!

would they get used to the ph being increased slowly if i was to introduce cichlids slowly over a long period of time?

 

[stang1]

They may well do but I think it's fairer to keep fish at the PH that they are used to.

 

[bishop04]

what about my tetras would i be able to leave them in as live food or should i just take them out and find a new home?

 

[stang1]

Malawi Cichlids are best kept with their own kind and don't require live food. If you want catfish, then have a look at some of the Synodontis species.

 

[KhaosInc]

I know you are not 'supposed' to, but I've had 4 in my tank for months and everyone seems happy...

 

[stang1]

I'm not saying that it wouldn't be fine as you have obviuosly had success with it. I just think it's a little unfair to keep fish at a different OH than what they are used to.