Pond Advise with Cichlids & Comets
Hi, I am seeking some advise from pond keepers and experienced cichlid keepers. Here is some info of what type set up. Pond is approximately 500-700 gallons as we estimated it measures 20 ft (l)x 3ft (w) and depth ranges from 10" to 16". We knew we wanted less maintenance so having Koi was not an option for us. Although, we love them. Cichlids were the way to go, especially here in S. Fla.
Here are my questions:
Do you need to add pond salt periodically? If so how much and how often.The pond is fed by well water twice daily for about 45 minutes. It has a small rock waterfall at one end and a bubbling rock at the other. There is plenty of algae, rocks to hide under, there are pond Lilli's and some grasses planted.
It seems to be a good idea to purchase a water testing kit or not necessary?
I have placed about 12 - 14 fish from one source that have been together since they were small (blue cichlids & comets). All are fine and very healthy. Last week,I rescued 7 comets from the "feed tank" at "Petsmart" and purchased 10 more various cichlids. Comets in one Large critter keeper tank and all cichlids in the other for quarantine.(I do not have regular glass aquariums)
It has been 6 days, the comets were released into the pond yesterday as they are healthy and striving.
I now have one fire mouth who seems like he will not survive today. I purchased 2 fire mouths and the remainder of cichlids are medium African assorted species, 2 African electric blue and 2 yellow who are small. I have noticed that the tail fin on one electric yellow, one of the electric blue and the other Fire mouth is not really the way it should be. Looks like it may have been eaten by others or may have a health issue. I guess at this point I need to start separating the fish and wait another week before introducing them into the pond, correct? should I go ahead and place the medium assorted ones into the pond? The appear to be very healthy as well but they were in the same critter keeper as the ones who have tail issues.
I want to do the right thing
so if anyone can give me some tips, I would really appreciate it. Sorry this is so long but I wanted to give everyone a good picture of the setup.