Will Fish Adapt To Ph?

[soybean]

I asked about umbrella apistos a couple of days ago as I've read they are tolerant of a higher pH (mine is at least 7.5) - but I think I'd have difficulty sourcing these locally (and paying for them!).

I also looked at Bolivian rams but, to be honest, these aren't grabbing me as much visiually. They look a little washed out.

My question is, will some dwarf cichlids adapt to a higher ph? I ask because my friend who lives in the same village as me (same water supply) doesn't do anything to alter his ph of around 7.5, but has happy, healthy breeding kribs (and has offered me some, but I'm a bit worried about aggression from them). Yet I read that kribs need a much lower ph.

So I'm a bit confused...I really would like to add some dwarf cichlids to my tank but fear I'm out of options.

 

[soybean]

Any thoughts/alternatives?

 

[twodoctors]

It depends on who you ask. Fishes are ok in a range of pH as you said. Pushing them beyond their comfort zone may work for "hardy" fishes. Some would say fishes that are aquarium bred are adapted to wide range of pH. Some would say as long as the pH is table, it doesnt matter. I don't think there is a firm answer for that. I guess if they sell it in your LFS then their pH would be similar to yours and so would be ok (unless they use RO water).

Adrian

 

[soybean]

Thanks, makes sense - just didn't want to waste my money on fish that won't survive because of the ph. But worth a try with some hardier ones maybe.

 

[minnnt]

You could consider looking at some Tanganyikan Cichlids as they like a higher ph. The thing with Kribs is if they are kept in a low ph they will produce more of one sex than the other and vice versa if kept in a high ph. If you were thinking of Kribensis then i would try and source some from your LFS to guarentee the sex of them.

 

[twodoctors]

According to this months PFK, acidic water promotes male and alkaline water female.

 

[soybean]

Hmm, interesting, didn't know that. I haven't ruled kribs out entirely, but when watching my friend's tank with them in they seem just a bit too constantly annoyed with each other and every other fish that comes by!

 

[markandhisfish]

Thanks, makes sense - just didn't want to waste my money on fish that won't survive because of the ph. But worth a try with some hardier ones maybe.

my ph is around the same as yours and i have successfully had discus , rams etc no problems at all. as long as extremes are avoided , acllimatisation is done slowly and the ph remains stable you should have no problems with most sa cichlids in your ph

 

[soybean]

Thanks, makes sense - just didn't want to waste my money on fish that won't survive because of the ph. But worth a try with some hardier ones maybe.

my ph is around the same as yours and i have successfully had discus , rams etc no problems at all. as long as extremes are avoided , acllimatisation is done slowly and the ph remains stable you should have no problems with most sa cichlids in your ph

Oooh, good to hear! But - now I'm back at square one with deciding which to have...

 

[twodoctors]

How big is your tank?

I have had firemouth and sajica cichlids before and they were fine in my water of pH7.8. My LFS water is 7.5. You will have no problem with most fishes, although personally I would avoid fishes that prefer pH 7 or less. I am a "match fish to your pH (+/- 0.5)" man.

Adrian

 

[soybean]

It's 180 litres, so not exactly huge, which is why I was looking at dwarf cichlids mainly. Stocking is in my profile but not staying that way, I'm getting rid of at least a dozen fish, maybe more. Bored of the harlequins and glowlight danios, probably lose some corys and the platy as well. Definitely keeping neons, otos and dwarf gourami.

I want slightly bigger, colourful, more active fish with interesting behaviour that I can actually see from the other side of the room. I keep looking at borellii apistos and love the colours. Choices choices.

 

[soybean]

How about dwarf flag cichlids - curviceps? Would a pair of these be ok in a 180l?

 

[minnnt]

How about dwarf flag cichlids - curviceps? Would a pair of these be ok in a 180l?

Sounds good to me mate. Possibly consider the Red Breasted Acara too

 

[soybean]

I certainly will, looks lovely - and I'm reading good things about these dwarf flags. Off to lfs this morning, will have a chat about what they can get hold of and go from there.