Mlani said:
Looks like I have to learn another language with these guys
I can't even pronounce half of the names. I'm still confused as to how the lfs can keep mixed cichlids in the display tanks and they're huge and healthy, but I'm being told to get rid of mine? I understand the food differences but there's foods that are lower in protein that can be safe for them and the water differences, the new cichlids were born and grown in the same water conditions of my tank. The aggression issues as they mature, I was told can be curbed by getting more females and increasing the hiding spots. I realize I'm taking a chance after reading all the threads related to mixing cichlids, but isn't that what we do every day in this hobby? We try and figure out the best compatible fish for the environment we provide? And even in the best of conditions some tanks have been completely wiped out. I asked for the most peaceful cichlids that could get along with the stock I currently had. I showed pictures of every fish that was in there and the 6 I brought home were recommended as the best fit.
The LFS typically has juveniles in their tanks. Even the bigger ones are usually still sub-adult. As well, they tend to overstock their tanks significantly, so the aggression is dispersed.
Mlani, yes I feel your pain. Most, if not all of us have. It's frustrating to get the straight truth. In fact, sometimes the truth is relative. There are exceptions to rules as well. You should take the advise of the LFS with you, and weigh it in with the advice that you will get from folks in forums like this. The latter will honestly be a far more accurate source of information. Take note of what your LFS has in stock, GO HOME, and post what you were considering to this forum. You will get mixed advice, and go with the popular opinion, but lean more towards the folks that are more experienced (note their rank/number of posts). Avoid impulse purchases, no matter how cool the fish is or how confident the LFS is that it will work out for you.
BTW: A agree with these things you noted:
- There are differences in foods, so stick with species that have similar food requirements.
- In some species aggression can be curbed by having more females than males. The males can harass the females to death (you can gues why).
- Hiding spots are a good idea for some species, such as Mbuna, simply because they are out of view of aggressors.
Just hang in there. you'll get the hang of it. Shoot I learn new things every day, and I frequenly learn that I had been doing something wrong or suboptimally. Just consider it part of the challenge. All fun hobbies are challenging.
