No Spawn Blues

[Labenator65000]

I'm getting bummed out. I've had 5 Yellow Labs in my 55 for 9 months now and I've seen no conclusive proof of spawning. They are about 3" long. I'm told that Labs breed like rabbits, but no luck in my case. I have several caves and hiding spots, I do 50% PWC weekly, my water parameters are all spot on right out of the tap..... except maybe my pH, which is at 7.4. I see that is at the bottom of the 7.4-8.6 range for Lake Malawi Cichlids. Should I consider raising it? I see a lot of conflicting opinions on whether this is necessary. I also see a lot of conflicting opinions on how it should be properly done...crushed coral/oyster, baking soda, etc.

So should I wait it out on the Labs? Should I raise the pH? Play some soft jazz, light some candles, play some romantic movies for them?

 

[Cichlid Kid]

Your water parameters are spot on outa the tap but are they at desirable levels in your aquarium? How old are your labs? @ 3" they may not be quite mature enough to breed yet.

 

[Labenator65000]

Yeah didn't word that very well. I test the water from the tank and they are spot on, with the semi-exception of the pH that I mentioned in my OP. I have had them all for about 10 months and they were juvies when they were new.