Starting On The Right Track...

[Sheridanp]

So, I've had a fish tank with only one fish, a red devil 7 inches. I finally got rid of him(don't worry, took him to a pet store) and I plan to get cichlids. I'm pretty much starting all over again, but this time I'll know what I'm doing(partiallly). So, I have many questions.

I want to have Cichlids. I am thinking 2 Electric Yellows, and 2 Blood Parrots. And a fish that sucks that glass(I forget the name?). So, am I on the right track, are these fish that can live together.

I filled up my tank with water today, half of tap water. I cleaned my pump with tap water, is that ok? I added new filters. I put in 2 cap fulls of AquaPlus. I put in some stuff to clear the water. And, I am going to test the water for diseases etc. I turned on my pump, and my heater for 2-5 days before I get the new fish. Is that ok? Or should I turn them off?

What else do I do before I add my new fish?

Help is greatly appreciated.

 

[RubyJewell]

Er - a fishless cycle?

 

[Sheridanp]

Heh, see, I don't know what I am doing really.

 

[toebash17]

my friend i think you need to cycle your tank first

 

[CBTF]

If you still have the original gravel and you havent washed it (from the old fish) then you may not need to cycle your tank.

If you cleaned everything or if you put new gravel in then a cycle is having the tank run empty for a few weeks so that bacterial colonies establish to kill nitrates from fish waste. I think. May want to confirm (only been at this a few months myself.) You should see if anyone can help you better, or search for cycling a tank. I didn't and I lost about 4 fish when I set up my tank. Wouldn't want that again!

Best of luck!

 

[dwarfgourami]

I want to have Cichlids. I am thinking 2 Electric Yellows, and 2 Blood Parrots. And a fish that sucks that glass(I forget the name?). So, am I on the right track, are these fish that can live together.

Afraid that combo is not going to work. With cichlids you first have to decide if you're going to keep American (blood parrots) or African (electric yellows), they have totally different requirements+ speak a different language as it were.

If you go African, it is not generally considered advisable to mix fish from different African lakes, or West African with E. A. lake fish. You also need to read up VERY carefully on the individual species to see what their requirements are, how aggressive, what numbers/gender ratio they can be kept in and what they go with.

IMO this is what makes fishkeeping such fun, trying to understand how the natural habitat has shaped fish's behaviour.

 

[Sheridanp]

Thanks alot. I will have to do some research. Earlier it said the Electric Yellow's are aggressive to non-cichlids. I will talk to the pet store owner too, she does actually know what she is talking about. I just want to get 2 electric yellows, and 2 other cichlids. How many should you have in a 30 gallon tank anyway?

Also, I don't need to cycle because I have the same rocks. Thanks for the info guys!

 

[Sheridanp]

Oh, and I was wondering. What kinds of Cichlids are good together, and that are fun to have? I want small Cichlids. Thanks.