Important Follow-up Questions for Cichlid Experts

[boobaloos]

Super helpful responses on my tank cleaning questions - thanks everybody. My tank is looking clean, though only a cichlid could say for sure. Follow-up questions:
- What is the "FX5"? It sounds like a cruise missile but I'm thinking it's some sort of vacuum.
- What is "cichlid trace"? What is meant by adding "Stability"? I add pH 8.2, Prime and Cichlid Lake Salt when I change the water but not these either two. Should I add them?
- Also, I bought pH and ammonia test kits, but not nitrate test kit. Should I test for all three? Anything else I should be testing for?
- I can't figure out what my catfish eats. He is reclusive and antisocial, so I never get to see him eat anything. I have dropped shrimp pellets in for him, but my "herbivorous" cichlids, who are greedy and self absorbed, chase him away and eat the pellets. I would punish them, but I'm not sure how to do it without killing them. Will the pellets harm the cichlids? Will my catfish starve? He is larger than most of the cichlids so they may be pushing their luck.

I guess I'm doing something right though - week four and all fish are my cichlids are doing great.

 

[ltrepeter2000]

1) FX5 is a filter
http://www.google.com/products/cata...a=X&ei=twoVTorYLZS50AHyhNWvDg&ved=0CDUQ8wIwAA#
2) a) Cichlid Trace is a SeaChem product: http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/CichlidTrace.html
b) Stability is a SeaChem product: http://www.fish.com/item/seachem-stability/710350/
c) the need for these products more depends on what your fish were brought up with. Many of these fish have now been conditioned to less extreme requirements. If your fish are used to the three you are using and you arent noticing signs of stress and disease, than I would not add anything else.
3) Nitrate testing or any water testing for that matter depends on your fish and if you are seeing any problems. It cant hurt to test for it but depending on your fish it might not matter as much.
4) Your catfish is likely nocturnal so feeding the pellets in the dark closest to the area he usually is found is probably the best way to try to get him fed for sure.
5) Just make sure that all of the food is being eaten. The pellets should not hurt your cichlids but again, its more about watching your fish. The only negative effect would possibly be bloat, but I will leave that for someone else to comment on.

 

[verbal]

- Also, I bought pH and ammonia test kits, but not nitrate test kit. Should I test for all three? Anything else I should be testing for?

- I can't figure out what my catfish eats. He is reclusive and antisocial, so I never get to see him eat anything. I have dropped shrimp pellets in for him, but my "herbivorous" cichlids, who are greedy and self absorbed, chase him away and eat the pellets. I would punish them, but I'm not sure how to do it without killing them. Will the pellets harm the cichlids? Will my catfish starve? He is larger than most of the cichlids so they may be pushing their luck.

A small amount of meat won't hurt your cichlids. I saw in the other thread that you got advice to feed when the tank is dark. I agree with this. Assuming the cichlids won't fit in his mouth, they should avoid being dinner.

I guess I'm doing something right though - week four and all fish are my cichlids are doing great.

I am glad to hear that your tank is off to a good start.

 

[UNCLERUCKUS]

1) FX5 is a filter
http://www.google.com/products/cata...a=X&ei=twoVTorYLZS50AHyhNWvDg&ved=0CDUQ8wIwAA#
2) a) Cichlid Trace is a SeaChem product: http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/CichlidTrace.html
b) Stability is a SeaChem product: http://www.fish.com/item/seachem-stability/710350/
c) the need for these products more depends on what your fish were brought up with. Many of these fish have now been conditioned to less extreme requirements. If your fish are used to the three you are using and you arent noticing signs of stress and disease, than I would not add anything else.
3) Nitrate testing or any water testing for that matter depends on your fish and if you are seeing any problems. It cant hurt to test for it but depending on your fish it might not matter as much.
4) Your catfish is likely nocturnal so feeding the pellets in the dark closest to the area he usually is found is probably the best way to try to get him fed for sure.
5) Just make sure that all of the food is being eaten. The pellets should not hurt your cichlids but again, its more about watching your fish. The only negative effect would possibly be bloat, but I will leave that for someone else to comment on.

:happy0144::sign0191::sign0173: