cichlid help

[sunniedaze]

Hello All ,

I am starting over after Ich killed my 29 gallon tank. I bought a new filter, and changed the water, gravel, and rocks. After 3 weeks I added 2 fire throat cichlids. I have a few questions and concerns that if anyone could help with I would be very thankful ....... I would like to add maybe 4 more cichlids to the tank . I was wondering if I should do this slowly , or all at once ?What types of cichlids would do well with the ones I have? Also , any tips on keeping the ich away? and how to keep the water [acronym:f9598787ba="power head or Measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions, depending on context"]ph[/acronym:f9598787ba] where it needs to be ? The water is hard , and [acronym:f9598787ba="power head or Measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions, depending on context"]ph[/acronym:f9598787ba] is testing at 7.6
Thanks !!!!!!!!!
Amy

[sunniedaze]

sorry I just thought of one more thing ......... 2 of the rocks I have in my tank I found outside ....... I did call the fish store before I put them in . They said it would be fine as long as I rinsed them very good . Do you guys agree with that ?????
Thanks Again ,
Amy

[krap101]

you could try boiling them/rinsing them in a weak bleach solution.

[Voodoo Chilli]

Amy-

I'm assuming the "fire throat" cichlids you've got are firemouths (T. meeki)? If so, you definitely do not want to add any more cichlids (or any other fish, for that matter) to the tank. They're probably rather small now and you want to add more fish to "fill" up the tank, but the firemouths will do that for you when they reach their maximum size of about six inches! Hopefully, you've got a pair and they'll be quite content to have the tank all to themselves- and they'll reward you with lots of fry.

Don't worry about your hardness and pH levels: those sound just about perfect for Central American cichlids.

[Voodoo Chilli]

The only thing I'd be worried about is possible chemical contamination. If you're pretty certain that they've not been exposed, a good rinsing is all they need.

[RogerMcAllen]

What type of Cichlids? Put some vinegar on the rocks, if they fizz they might not be a good choice, because they will leach into the water. This would be fine for Africans, but SA's like softer water.

[Menagerie]

[center:8c15672f5d] Welcome to AA, sunniedaze! [/center:8c15672f5d]

I merged the two threads to make things clearer for everyone and you won't have to answer the same Qs over again

Also , any tips on keeping the ich away?

Read Allivymar's [acronym:8c15672f5d="Freshwater"]FW[/acronym:8c15672f5d] ich article in the Articles section. There is no way to keep ich away, but when treated properly and quickly, your fish will be fine.

and how to keep the water [acronym:8c15672f5d="power head or Measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions, depending on context"]ph[/acronym:8c15672f5d] where it needs to be ? The water is hard , and [acronym:8c15672f5d="power head or Measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions, depending on context"]ph[/acronym:8c15672f5d] is testing at 7.6

Don't do a thing. The fish you bought will be fine.

The best thing for your cichlids is for you to research their needs. Here is one link:
http://badmanstropicalfish.com/profiles/profile43.html
Just google the scientific name and you will have no problem finding info. I would not add any more fish to that tank, except for a small type of pleco, such as the clown, bristle nose or rubber lip. The tank may seem empty now, but they will grow to 6" or so and will live for many years.

[sunniedaze]

Hello ,
Thanks for the help everyone ........ yes they are fire MOUTH cichlids whoooooops ........... They seem to be doing ok so far .. It has been 3 days . Keep yur fingers crossed

Amy

[Menagerie]

The best thing for them is for you to educate yourself of their needs! I don't keep them, but will provide as much help as you need
Here's another great site:
http://www.mongabay.com/fish/species_index