The new world tank 13/13/2009

Salvini, Green Severum, Firemouth, and Dwarf Gourami (above)

I took out the pots and some of the other items that were being used as caves/hiding spots by the cichlids. I placed several 3" PVC joints as the new caves/hiding spots for the Cichlids. I left the driftwood and rocks in the tank. The five species that I have are: Red Oscar, Green Severum, Firemouth, Green Texas, and Blood Parrot. Some of the cichlids species like to hide and may establish their own territory in the tank. The salvini is a predatory fish that likes to lurk. The four Gourami (a platinum, a pearl, and 2 gold) and the Cuckoo Catfish are dither fish that clean up after the messy cichlids.

Green Texas, Blood Parrot and Green Severum

Blood Parrot

Green Severum and Firemouth

Salvini and Dwarf Gourami

Red Oscar

I tore down and thoroughly cleaned the tank

Yesterday, I tore down and thoroughly clean my tank. I have added two to my stock and now have 24 fish in my 75 G tank. I removed the clay pots that served as caves for the Mbuna that are known as being rock fish. If the aggression spikes, I will place them back in the tank.

My current stock:

75G w/ 2 Emperor 400's

Mbuna species:
2 L. Caeruleus (Yellow Lab)
1 M. Estherae (Red Zebra)
2 M. Cyanerhabdos (Maingano)
2 M. Auratus Albino
1 M. Joanjohnsonae
3 P. Socolofi (Albino Pindani)
2 P. Crabro (Bumblebee/Hornet Mbuna)
2 Pseudotropheus Sp. (Elongatus Chewere)
1 P. Demasoni (Pombo Rocks)

Other species:
2 N. Livingstonii (Kalingo): a Hap
6 Clown Loach
1 Cuckoo Catfish

The Yellow Lab in the middle is the dominant fish in the tank, which is not a bad thing. The Lab to the left is female that is holding fry (babies) in her mouth.
Bumble Bee and Clown Loaches



The Demasoni (Pombo Rocks) is doing well with this stock, as they tend to be highly aggressive

Clean that dirty tank!

I have been really busy lately and have neglected our tank. Not a good decision because Mbuna warrant really clean water. I facilitated a 50% water change today because the water has not been refreshed for two weeks. I removed everything (rock, shells, driftwood, and plants) and vacuumed the crushed coral that assist in eliminating the waste of the fish, driftwood, and plants. I also scrubbed the glass to remove the algae buildup. I chose not place the biggest piece of wood back into the tank because it is starting to rot. I placed it in our butterfly garden to continue to rot.

My 75G Mbuna (Cichlids) tank

My current set up is composed of the following specimens: 8 Yellow Lab, 8 Red Zebra, 2 Maingano, 5 P. Demasoni, 1 Wide Yellow Band, 4 Clown Loach, and 1 Cuckoo Catfish. . I ritually change at least 25 % of the water a week as Cichlids warrant clean, alkalinic (high ph) water, with a lot of circulation. I have crushed coral and many rocks to increase the ph. I have java ferns and anubias to assist in eliminating ammonia. I use two over-sized filters (2 Emperor 400's that circulate and clean 800 gph) to increase the filtration and water circulation. I have a crowded tank because Cichlids are aggressive fish and a crowded tank with lots of hiding spots (rocks and plants) help to minimize aggressive between the fish.