New to Cichlids. Advice? Point me in the right direction?

[Airjammer]

^ +1

[mistahoo]

Johnsbra123 that's not completely true. Water parameters are very important, and ich meds are not a cure all!

+1 While it may not be necessary to check them all the time, they are very important. You wouldn't add fish to your tank if the ammonia is like 5ppm. They'd just die. Some people swear by ich meds, but I think of them as a gimmick to make you spend money. Heat and salt have always done the job for me. Not only that, but ich meds don't heal injured fish. Salt does though and for me it's readily available 24/7 either at my house or if we run out, there are Wal-Marts close by. It's only $1 and some change for a box.

[Airjammer]

Johnsbra123 that's not completely true. Water parameters are very important, and ich meds are not a cure all!

[mistahoo]

In an airplane now. Flying to Galveston via the I-10 corridor. Look up. The percolate guy said my ph was neutral. Water soft and nominal ammonia. No nitrates or nitrites.

Filter in place. I do have dusty looking water now. I'll look into it when I get home. Taking off in about 1 min. Life as a fligh instructor.

The water will get dirty looking at first... that's the bacteria falling off. You'd want to wring it a bit inside the tank to get some bacteria off. Then just let it settle for a while and your filters will take in the bacteria. After the tank clears up, you can remove the filter padding or leave it for few more hours if you want.

That's crazy! You're on-call as a flight instructor?

[Crazyjeep]

In an airplane now. Flying to Galveston via the I-10 corridor. Look up. The percolate guy said my ph was neutral. Water soft and nominal ammonia. No nitrates or nitrites.

Filter in place. I do have dusty looking water now. I'll look into it when I get home. Taking off in about 1 min. Life as a fligh instructor.

[mistahoo]

What did the guy say about your water?

[mistahoo]

No problem! Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's instant cycling.

[Crazyjeep]

Thanks mistahoo. Appreciate the filters. Already in the tank and helping things along. Any suggestion on how much shorter the cycling process takes with used filters? First time using this method.

[mistahoo]

I like it looks good all that's missing is fish

He'll be ready to get some soon! I got some really good n nasty filter pads coming right up!

[Johnsbra123]

All you need to know is that any problem can be fixed with water changes, and ich medication if need, don't mix species unless you know they work. Everything else is up to you. People will tell you to check your water but it's a joke. Water is water unless you have acidic fish. If so add ph lower chemicals. Inverse is the same . It's not that difficult. These people make it sound hard.

[johnnymisty]

I like it looks good all that's missing is fish

[Crazyjeep]

I redid my fish tank layout with a couple of holey rocks I got from my LFS. Anything in the picture you think I am missing or should move so the cichlids are happy? I had an ammonia spike last night, so I am holding off until the cycle finishes, newbie mistake. Any suggestions to my list of fish? Things of concern? Thanks.

CJ

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[ScorpiosWife]

Where is a good place to purchase fish in the houston area. Ive been to a couple of the Petco's/Petsmart's in the area and they are terrible, and not fish stores nearby Tomball except BB Fish which I have yet to go into.

Crazyjeep

I'm also in Tomball. Aquarium World is about 25 minutes to half an hour from us but they have a good selection. Have you tried Ultimate Fish in Spring? It's on 2920 between Kuyhendahl & 45. 4720 Fm 2920 Rd, Spring, TX. Tel: 281-353-3474

[Johnsbra123]

I don't know if you want these but I have 1 yellow lab, 2 albino socofolio, 3 cobalt, and 2 red zebra cichlids for 35$.

[cu0ngsayz]

Holey rock is .99 a lb @ the yards