Dilemna - Which cichlids to keep?

L

lilcam

Large Fish
#1
Jul 17, 2004
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I currently have 5 cichlids. 2 africans and the rest american.

- 2 texas cichlids (no clue as to their sex - I thought they were a pair but they never bred when i left them alone in a tank by themselves. The one one beat the crap out of the other one. Now they are fine when they're with my other cichlids.).

- 1 convict (female)

- 2 mbunas

Now, folks have told me to remove one or the other species as the american cichlids require different diet from my africans. I've been feeding them flakes with the occasional dried bloodworms. I understand I'm risking my mbunas life and I need to take actions now. What kills me is the fact that I would hate having to feed my fishes flake food every time. What else can I feed my africans besides flakes?

I have a 55g and I'm thinking of adding another 2. However, I understand the texas cichlids will grow to about 12 inches and if I have to get rid of them I will. I bought them 3 months ago and I would hate to let them go!!!!

BTW ... would I be able to add cories to the tank with cichlids?

DECISIONS DECISIONS DECISIONS
 

Purple

Purple

Superstar Fish
#2
Oct 31, 2003
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Texas Cichlids top out at 10 inches - not 12 inches

And I wouldn't worry about your Africans getting bloat (or whatever it is you're afraid of) - yes, it's an issue - but not so much with Mbuna - feed 'em all frozen prawns and flakes (works for me)

Corries are a good live food as far as Texas are concerned - so not a good idea - whereas the Mbuna will simply bully them to death (eg forget the corries....)

In anticipation of your next question - the ph doesn't matter as long as it's between 6.5 and 8 (ish) - the problem with mixing Afs and SA/CA is more to do with territory - if it works for you now, then you should be ok
 

B

Blair

Small Fish
#7
Jun 24, 2004
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#7
Hey hey! watch the Texas remarks..................LOL

seriously, I have to disagree with what Purple said. While both the Convict and the Texas cichlids can handle a range of phs, Convicts prefer softer water, Texas cichlids can handle a range of water hardnesses and Mbuna need hard water. Both Texas cichlids and Mbuna like vegi mater in their food (Most mbuna are almost entirely vegitarian while some [ie; Yellow labs] are omnivores). To much animal matter in their diet will (not might) cause poor health if not death.

Add to this that the Texas cichlids can get very large (10 - 12 inches depending on which litirature you read) and can be highly agressive, especially when breeding (the mbunas and the convict may not stand a chance in the long run). It seems to me that you have a mix that is destined for trouble.

Just my 2 cents
Thanks,
Blair
 

L

lilcam

Large Fish
#8
Jul 17, 2004
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i think i'll get rid of my texas cichlid. They really have no character. My convict and two mbunas chase each other around in a "playful" manner while the 2 texas cichlids just swim around doing nothing.

I know their playing cuz I've seen the texas and mbuna fight once.
 

C

Cichlid-Man

MFT Staff
#9
Jul 9, 2003
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#9
But blair, what about tank bred/raised fish that have no wild blood left in them? They are used to such a range of pH and hardness that they adapt very well wouldn't you say? Now F0-F2 fish yeah i'll agree you should get pH and stuff as close as possible....but i don't find it all that necesary for others.
 

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