Trying to start out in fishkeeping as a family - the ideal spot for our aquarium is on a kitchen counter. Someone has kindly donated us a 30″x12″ approx 85L tank which I have placed there and have filled to check for leaks before sanitising, etc. Our washing machine is right underneath and although it does not touch the countertop, the spin cycle is causing the tank water to vibrate, I would describe it as buzzing on the surface. We use the washing machine daily on account of our family size. Now I don't want to keep fish in vibrating water. Is it possible to dampen vibrations and solve this problem? I am very keen to avoid having to find a different location if at all possible. We are currently considering
Kribensis cichlids.
I'm not sure of the impact on the tank and fish, or whether I would take the risk or not. Probably not. The idiot in me wants to suggest that as a family, you ring out your clothes by hand and enjoy the extra exercise. Think of those huge forearms you'll get.... However, I suspect not....
Kribensis are one of my favourite fish and me and
@GaryE have swapped messages on them before. I believe they hold a place in his heart as well
In my own personal experience, my Kribensis males who breed are more aggressive than my male convict cichlids who breed, and that's saying something. A male breeding Kribensis in my experience will expect no less than two foot of space, or more, with no other adult fish in. My experience might be extreme, Gary might say different.
The reason I bring it up, is that Kribensis breed quite easily. You may have to rehome or make a tough decision if you get a group of them and a pair forms.
30" x 12" footprint, I guess is possible, in my opinion for a small group, but I'd rather 36" x 12" (I am sure many others will say 30" is enough). Also in my opinion, I like to leave the bottom 1/3 of the tank just for them, so no bottom dwellers for me other than my Kribs (ideally). Unless it's feeding time, I hardly ever see a kribensis above the bottom 1/3 level of a tank.
One issue I have had, what about you
@GaryE is I have often needed to add dither fish in a Kribensis only tank, as I've found otherwise they will mostly congregate in the pots/caves. Don't want to complicate things for you, you've put loads of time and research into your project!!!!
They should always have pots/caves for me, even if that means sometimes you don't see them loads (but you will see them if they are settled)
Amazing fish, the kids will probably love them.
