Mixing new world and African cichlids ?

[amydaveg]

I have a 55g tank and see a lot of information on mixing African and new world cichlids.

Currently I have only new world, but wanted to add a few African to add color.

I know the Ph is different, but it looks like online, I see people mixing them without problems.

What is the real issue with mixing them? The pet store I went to had all the fish in a ph of 7 anyway.

Can I use a buffer and change the ph to 7.4 to make them both happy?


Or is it just not a good idea ?

Currently I have 2 convicts , one jack Dempsey and a parrot fish.

Thanks for the help.


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[Cecibella123]

I have a S Amer cichlid tank and an African Malawi cichlid tank. For a short time, I had a mixed tank, but the 2 types didn't get along well. My pink convicts and severums were much more aggressive, and larger, than most of my Malawis. I don't think PH is too much of an issue, as many S Amer cichlids also prefer high PH and hard water. But, though all are cichlids, their temperaments are different, as well as their breeding habits. S Amer cichlids lay eggs, then guard the nest. Most Africans are mouth-brooders. They may be able to co-exist without major issues, but they're like scotch and orange juice: they just don't mix well.
If you want color, have a look at firemouths. There are several other colorful S Amer cichlids. Pink convicts are cool. Plus, if you can get your parrot to breed with a pink convict, you can get the famous, yet seldom seen barber-pole cichlid.

 

[Sambo7475]

Also consider the widely different diets of the two types. Most Africans need highly vegetable diets, s. Americans need high protein meaty diets. Food for thought, pun intended


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