Just A Few Questions ...

[darrel69]

1) im getting a new filter to replace the one i already have which hasn't been cycled for long, but it is cycled. so when i get my new filter, is it just a case of putting the media from the one i already have into the new one ? so i dont disturb or lose any good bacteria thats grown. sorry if it sounds like a daft question, i just want to make sure.

2) i keep mbunas. i know they like a ph of 8.2, but my water is 7.8. im sure i read somewere that they can adjust to anything above 7.5, is that right ? but anyway, i have some baking soda to raise it with. do you think i should use it ? or leave it ? afterall they do seem happy and i aint had any problems. if i did use it, how long would it keep it at 8.2 before it starts to fall back down ? i dont want to add it and have the ph up & dwn like a yoyo.

3) how long does it take for mbuna's to fully grow ?

thanks.

 

[WaterBender1995]

1.) yes
2.) leave it where it is. 7.8 is just fine! the more you try and adjust it, the more dangerous it can be for the fish.
3.)they grow as genetically fast as their supposed to grow. when people try and play god they forget to stop and enjoy what he's given them!

 

[darrel69]

1) thanks
2) i thought so ... thankyou
3) im not trying to rush their growth, not being impatient or owt, im happy for them to take as long as they need, im just wondering ???

 

[dthoffsett]

1) You could always run your new filter alongside your old one for a couple of weeks to allow the bacteria to grow, or you can move the old media to the new filter, it's up to you.

2) Unless you are getting wild-caught species, your PH is perfectly fine. A stable PH is far more important than reaching the "perfect" level.

3) Growth-rate depends on several factors: species, food, number of water changes, and I'm sure there are others I'm not thinking of.
IME with weekly 50% water changes, and a good varied diet, most of my juvies put on an inch or more a month. However, l.caeruleus are a very slow growing species, and larger species like p.acei and p.crabro grew faster. I've found the best growth came from home bred fish where I could control the different factor from the beginning, and I've had good luck from buying the very small juveniles from my LFS, so I'm able to care for them from a younger age.