Thanks, Mel, for putting this together. Your tips are very much appreciated. Hope you are well and can continue making these great videos. Well done, sir. Kudos!
Great tips and tricks Mel, and I must say you have some of the best Amphilophus Chancho's in the hobby. . . Thanks for sharing and happy fish keeping ! ! !
Great video as always. I thoroughly enjoy your content. Very informative video. Happy fish keeping. Thanks for sharing. You have an amazing collection of fish.
Finally the new video comes out! i was desperately waiting for new video and the fish update. Keep doing it Mel, always love to listen your fish story.
Sir Mel thanks again for this video always love the amphilopous, N the green terrors love your set up as always N u have cool cat names too:))your the man sir always keep it coming.
Mel I'm watching this video for the 10th or more x..loll just wanted you to know that my Dovii i told you about that I acquired back in Feb 2017 are doing well. Male 14inches, female 7 inches.. have had 6 spawns . This year his temperament changed and is very abusive towards the female. Although she is 100% the aggressor I think his sense of humor has made its exodus!! She has plenty of hiding places but prefers to fight which is a losing proposition. Well mel sr..I wish you and your mrs the best in your retirement. Thank you for your lessons on fish. Many blessings
Love ur videos and tanks and fish and quality info...rly wish I could get a dovi also...I have 5 tanks but the problem is that my biggest tank is to small only 75 gallons..hope you keep videos going..thanks
Hi, Alice! You’re a star. Fun video, Mel. You are an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. Interesting tip on the temperature variation. I wonder if that might be similarly useful for discus? The temp range would be a few degrees higher, surely. I am interested in selecting for hardiness as much as appearance, but I get the impression the latter is neglected somewhat in the commercial trade. I could be wrong, I often am.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and tips&trucs. Great tanks and beautiful dovi. I very much like your mesoheros tank. I've been keeping now 5 atromaculatus 2 female and 3 males 1 couple layed twices eggs but disapeared after a few days do you have any advice for me to raise some youngsters? They are rare in the hobby here in the Netherlands. Grtz. Stefan
I have a male yellow severum in a 60 gallon tank.Couple of times the temperatures fluctuated from 76 all the way up to 82. I guess the temperature fluctuation was good for my fish I've learned something every day thank you.
Hey mel this is Marlon, first off I want to say I have been a fan for a while and loved all your videos I was just curious I’m not sure if this is the right video to ask but I was just wondering when you clean your tanks do you just change the water or do you gravel vac also or do you do them at the same time like for example if you do 20 percent every day do you do 20 percent water change with gravel vac or just the 20 percent water change, thanks again hope to hear from you!
Hi Mel.. I love learning from your vast knowledge of the hobby! I am looking into an 8’ by 3’ aquirium, would you recommend a sump or canisters? If canisters how many? Thanks Mel!
Great video.. I put a strip of foil under my florescent light and put small holes in it to create a dim light for my Datnoids, they come out of hiding more. after they use to the dim light I made the holes bigger until the light was how I like it,
Hello Mel! My 10 month old jag./r.tm. hybreds are still showing (common to both fish) green/spotted black appearance. At what age can I expect them to become dissimilar in appearance? With their father being the jag. Willhis coloration dominate or does it depend on the genes of either to determine final outcome?
Nelly Mullin always a crap shot with hybrids. They may end of looking more like Jags or RTM’s. I would say whatever they look like at about a years time is what they will remain looking like. Good luck!
Speaking of Seattle I hope we don't get a bad winter. My gold fish are out side for their first winter. Beautiful tanks and fish. We live in Lakewood Wa.
I hope so to. Just came back from my morning walk and I am drenched! Your goldfish should do fine outside. I had goldfish in my outdoor pond for years until the Racon’s got them
Long story on that which I discuss in a few past videos. Short story is they are Red Devils in my opinion. Some would call them Midas or mixed. I believe they are the same species just slightly different body types
Hello Mel You can mod mid size Wavemakers the same way with sponge as your powerheads. You can increase flow by like 250 to 400% compared to your powerheads on the same wattage
Tough question. My buddy Kevin used to own A Place For Pets in Burien. It was far and away the best store for American Cichlids. He sold it a few years back so I am not sure what it is like now. Conway Tropicals in Conway,Wa has a decent selection on occasion. Probably the best store in the NW for American Cichlids is The Wet Spot in Portland.
The video is great as always - how do i get some of your fry? I know you’ve mentioned in other videos you distribute some to Lfs but im in chicago - is there any chance of you or them shipping?
GuapoteMel thanks for the response - that’s what i figured - Im mostly looking for the green terrors and the orantums - any suggestions on where to find a good pair?
GuapoteMel I’m setting up a new 180 and have 4 argentea growing out for it and a h psittacus and was thinking of getting a group of h deppi as we’ll - do you think the combo would work? Id probably separate the argentea if i end up with a pair. Any other fish you’d recommend?
How often do you feed krill to you fish? I hear too much/often is bad. But my cichlids always prefer it and sometimes won’t eat anything but krill. Thanks!
I only have a 120 but all my red devils get along so much , its uncanny the personalitys are so nice , this is just like my tank , i only have a 2 bed room apartment haha it smells
A question if I may, I have an aggressive J.Demps and its gotten to where his only mates are an bichir a couple medium plecos and an albino Oscar his size that he is getting more aggressive towards. I've tried different light schemes. As you said they preffer a more soft tone light, that was tried. Someone suggested to get a dovii to put the aggression in check. Do you think in your years of monster keeping that this would help? I know that there is aton of factors but just throwing it out there :)
Not a good idea. A Dovii would kill everything in the tank at some point. How big is the tank? Have you tried adding more hiding places for the other fish? If the tank is fairly big say 100 gallons or more I would try adding some convicts. They will not be intimidated by the Dempsey and he will be kept busy dealing with them. Make sure you get mature convicts a pair or two should settle him down. Good luck!
Thank you! It was someone on an aquarium forum who suggested the dovii, but I'm taking your word over that! Where might I get my hands on a pair of convicts that are mature? I've seen convicts at pet stores and local hobby pet stores but not mature convicts. Tank is 125gl plenty of hiding spots! I really appreciate uou taking the time to reply and help me out
I am new to fish keeping ( three months ) you have a few years on me ;) May I kindly ask you a question? Does your Dovii not try to kill your devil? Also, can a blood parrot ( same size ) hold their own against jack demsey's and devils? I guess it depends on the fish, but on average? I love those blood parrots, they look like they are always happy. I just don't want my jacks and devil to kill him.
Mike Doviis try to kill everything eventually. I have been lucky with this one because he was raised in this tank with all the fish being triple his size when he first entered it. Never kept the red parrot so I really can’t say much about him . Good luck
Wow! 20" dovii at 3 years? Mine is 12" and he's 2 yrs old, obviously genetics + tanks size+ diet but I bought my pair from a guy that had them in a 75g since 2". I have them in a 125 whilst my 180 is being sorted
I have shown my water changing system in a video along time ago. Sorry I can’t remember which one. I have no water storage just straight from the tap plus stress coat
Nice tanks and fish bro u no your stuff this is the best hobby there is besides RC cars lol I subscribed will b checking u out here and there I'm inspired. Thanks for sharing me
Hi Mel. I see that you also keep some convicts. I think I remember you saying in an earlier video that years ago you kept convicts also. I keep them too. I keep them because I like the fish. Here in Australia they are often thought of as not worth keeping due to one thing or another, eg, aggression or they breed so easily etc. I see them as ultimate survivers, hardy, and able to adapt to any environment. I am curious though as to why you keep them & would like to hear your thoughts on them. Cheers. Ross PS I always enjoy watching your videos. Love the Red Devils too.
DaggyGuins yes I started keeping Convicts again last summer. They were the first Cichlid I ever kept (my gateway drug so to speak). My wife always loved them. Once for once they are the toughest Cichlid out there and amazing parents too!
Hi Mel, thanks for reply. They are amazing parents, have a ton of personality, and always interesting to watch. I enjoy them very much. Thanks again. Ross
GuapoteMel thanks Mel. Interesting, it would be good to know the approaches you take to get the 90% rate. I can’t seem to get a live roughly 60%. It’d be nice to learn your process for moving the fry, feeding which you’ve covered a bit and water changes etc. thanks love your videos.
GuapoteMel Awesome. I thought I had a dudd A.K.A hybrid. I'm absolutely loving this fish he's a straight savage. I now understand why you will always keep a male dovii in your possession. When's the next video coming out? We need more vid's. Thanks Mel.
Is it typical that a somewhat swollen belly 9 month old 4 inch "jag./r.t. mota" that is chasing others, can be a breeding agressive female or does the slender male always do the courting chase? I have raised these fish from 1 month of age and saw their parents which were jag/r.t.mota. would they be considered as hybreds?
Only way I know to contact you Mel is here on youtube. Ive watched all of your videos and know you have been looking for a Red Dovii for a very long time. There is a confirmed pair in the US. If you would like more info I can get it to you. Let me know.
Thanks Richard , but that ship has sailed for me. As you know I am slowly phasing out of the hobby as I age. It will be years before I am out but I am past adding any new fish.
Yes it is a very old (15 years or so)female Jag, unfortunately this often happens when fish age beyond their natural limit. Their immune system weakens to a point where they are succeptible to many diseases . In the wild it would have been eaten by a predator long ago
You could ramble on forever and I'd listen forever, beautiful tanks and wealth of knowledge.
Thanks I am glad you like the video
Me too!
I agree with you 110 percent....
Thanks, Mel, for putting this together. Your tips are very much appreciated. Hope you are well and can continue making these great videos.
Well done, sir. Kudos!
Thanks!
Thank you for spending time with us really been enjoying the videos
Great tips and tricks Mel, and I must say you have some of the best Amphilophus Chancho's in the hobby. . . Thanks for sharing and happy fish keeping ! ! !
Awesome as always. Love that you are willing to pass on your knowledge. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
really beautiful collection of fish, and aquaria ...those devils are gorgeous!
Great video as always. I thoroughly enjoy your content. Very informative video. Happy fish keeping. Thanks for sharing. You have an amazing collection of fish.
Thanks!
Finally the new video comes out! i was desperately waiting for new video and the fish update. Keep doing it Mel, always love to listen your fish story.
Thanks for your patience and I am glad you liked the video
Thanks for sharing Mel!
I've been waiting for this video Mel thanks for sharing
Thanks Coop!
I have learned more in these 2 vids I have watched from u than I have then any other fish tubers lol
Awesome informative video thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for sharing some of your tricks.
You’re welcome
Sir Mel thanks again for this video always love the amphilopous, N the green terrors love your set up as always N u have cool cat names too:))your the man sir always keep it coming.
Thanks Eric I am glad you like the videos
Another great video mel love the tips and fish.thanks to your wife for helping out😁
Thanks I will let her know!
GoapoteMel, Fish looking good as usual, I see you keeping my Chanchos’s healthy 😎
Just stumbled across your channel very cool buddy I subscribed and hit the little bell love your tanks
Great thank you!
Please, please, please do a feeding video on all of your tanks. I bet it looks spectacular
I see what I can do
I do some feeding vids on my fish , my dovii is still small but my jags do the trick , I moved to bitchute mostly do to censorship same name ,
Mel I'm watching this video for the 10th or more x..loll just wanted you to know that my Dovii i told you about that I acquired back in Feb 2017 are doing well. Male 14inches, female 7 inches.. have had 6 spawns . This year his temperament changed and is very abusive towards the female. Although she is 100% the aggressor I think his sense of humor has made its exodus!! She has plenty of hiding places but prefers to fight which is a losing proposition. Well mel sr..I wish you and your mrs the best in your retirement. Thank you for your lessons on fish. Many blessings
Lito Loco 4 Fish , I am glad to hear your Dovii are doing so well.
Love ur videos and tanks and fish and quality info...rly wish I could get a dovi also...I have 5 tanks but the problem is that my biggest tank is to small only 75 gallons..hope you keep videos going..thanks
Awesome mel!!!! As well i never get tired either, thank you
Thanks
Great video. Love your tanks. Nobody keeps American cichlids as well as you. Thanks
Thank you
so Awesome Mel thank ypu for ypur expertise brother
I am glad you enjoyed it!
Great video, thanks for sharing 👍
I am glad you liked it
Hi, Alice! You’re a star.
Fun video, Mel. You are an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. Interesting tip on the temperature variation. I wonder if that might be similarly useful for discus? The temp range would be a few degrees higher, surely. I am interested in selecting for hardiness as much as appearance, but I get the impression the latter is neglected somewhat in the commercial trade. I could be wrong, I often am.
Yes I think the temperature change would work for Discus,
But like you said at higher starting points.
thanks Mel for another great vid
Always great. Thanks Mel.
Thanks
such a cute cat!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and tips&trucs.
Great tanks and beautiful dovi.
I very much like your mesoheros tank.
I've been keeping now 5 atromaculatus 2 female and 3 males 1 couple layed twices eggs but disapeared after a few days do you have any advice for me to raise some youngsters?
They are rare in the hobby here in the Netherlands. Grtz. Stefan
I have a male yellow severum in a 60 gallon tank.Couple of times the temperatures fluctuated from 76 all the way up to 82. I guess the temperature fluctuation was good for my fish I've learned something every day thank you.
Thanks Peter!
Hey mel this is Marlon, first off I want to say I have been a fan for a while and loved all your videos I was just curious I’m not sure if this is the right video to ask but I was just wondering when you clean your tanks do you just change the water or do you gravel vac also or do you do them at the same time like for example if you do 20 percent every day do you do 20 percent water change with gravel vac or just the 20 percent water change, thanks again hope to hear from you!
Marlon I always gravel vac when doing a water change. I am glad you enjoy the videos. Happy New Year!
Hi Mel.. I love learning from your vast knowledge of the hobby! I am looking into an 8’ by 3’ aquirium, would you recommend a sump or canisters? If canisters how many? Thanks Mel!
I'd go with the two biggest Ehiem canisters available
thx for the video!!!! great tips
Thank you
o wow not only do u like dovii i see u have the red terrors , my favorite also haha
Great video.. I put a strip of foil under my florescent light and put small holes in it to create a dim light for my Datnoids, they come out of hiding more. after they use to the dim light I made the holes bigger until the light was how I like it,
Great idea!
Cool stuff as always.
Thanks!
Hello Mel! My 10 month old jag./r.tm. hybreds are still showing (common to both fish) green/spotted black appearance. At what age can I expect them to become dissimilar in appearance? With their father being the jag. Willhis coloration dominate or does it depend on the genes of either to determine final outcome?
Nelly Mullin always a crap shot with hybrids. They may end of looking more like Jags or RTM’s. I would say whatever they look like at about a years time is what they will remain looking like. Good luck!
Speaking of Seattle I hope we don't get a bad winter. My gold fish are out side for their first winter. Beautiful tanks and fish. We live in Lakewood Wa.
I hope so to. Just came back from my morning walk and I am drenched! Your goldfish should do fine outside. I had goldfish in my outdoor pond for years until the Racon’s got them
Sorry Mel I don't know much about this but are your fish actually Red Devils or Midas? Thanks
Long story on that which I discuss in a few past videos. Short story is they are Red Devils in my opinion. Some would call them Midas or mixed. I believe they are the same species just slightly different body types
Hello Mel
You can mod mid size Wavemakers the same way with sponge as your powerheads. You can increase flow by like 250 to 400% compared to your powerheads on the same wattage
Great tip! Thanks
How often you change your water and filters
Mel, what LFS in Seattle do you recommend for CA/SA cichlids? I'm having a hard time finding anyone reliable
Tough question. My buddy Kevin used to own A Place For Pets in Burien. It was far and away the best store for American Cichlids. He sold it a few years back so I am not sure what it is like now. Conway Tropicals in Conway,Wa has a decent selection on occasion. Probably the best store in the NW for American Cichlids is The Wet Spot in Portland.
Was that a jaguar in the red devil tank? It's body look strange.
Yes a very old female
The video is great as always - how do i get some of your fry? I know you’ve mentioned in other videos you distribute some to Lfs but im in chicago - is there any chance of you or them shipping?
Sorry Chris, I do not ship fish.
GuapoteMel thanks for the response - that’s what i figured - Im mostly looking for the green terrors and the orantums - any suggestions on where to find a good pair?
GuapoteMel I’m setting up a new 180 and have 4 argentea growing out for it and a h psittacus and was thinking of getting a group of h deppi as we’ll - do you think the combo would work? Id probably separate the argentea if i end up with a pair. Any other fish you’d recommend?
How often do you feed krill to you fish? I hear too much/often is bad. But my cichlids always prefer it and sometimes won’t eat anything but krill. Thanks!
Every morning for over forty years
GuapoteMel interesting, thanks! I won’t be afraid to feed it more often then! Really enjoy all of your videos. Thanks for sharing.
I only have a 120 but all my red devils get along so much , its uncanny the personalitys are so nice , this is just like my tank , i only have a 2 bed room apartment haha it smells
*Old Jag squeezing in the crowd of devils* "Silly kids!!"
🙂
Great video as always. Always wondered are the big rocks all real or fake? See some have holes in?
Rocks are made of concrete from molds of real stones. They are hollow with openings so the fish can live in them
That dovii is gorgeous. I am slightly jealous! I could take a pen and paper and take pages of notes from you!
Thanks Alan, I am glad you enjoyed the video
A question if I may, I have an aggressive J.Demps and its gotten to where his only mates are an bichir a couple medium plecos and an albino Oscar his size that he is getting more aggressive towards. I've tried different light schemes. As you said they preffer a more soft tone light, that was tried. Someone suggested to get a dovii to put the aggression in check. Do you think in your years of monster keeping that this would help? I know that there is aton of factors but just throwing it out there :)
Not a good idea. A Dovii would kill everything in the tank at some point. How big is the tank? Have you tried adding more hiding places for the other fish? If the tank is fairly big say 100 gallons or more I would try adding some convicts. They will not be intimidated by the Dempsey and he will be kept busy dealing with them. Make sure you get mature convicts a pair or two should settle him down. Good luck!
Thank you! It was someone on an aquarium forum who suggested the dovii, but I'm taking your word over that! Where might I get my hands on a pair of convicts that are mature? I've seen convicts at pet stores and local hobby pet stores but not mature convicts. Tank is 125gl plenty of hiding spots! I really appreciate uou taking the time to reply and help me out
Just get the biggest available at the pet store in your area
I am new to fish keeping ( three months ) you have a few years on me ;) May I kindly ask you a question? Does your Dovii not try to kill your devil? Also, can a blood parrot ( same size ) hold their own against jack demsey's and devils? I guess it depends on the fish, but on average? I love those blood parrots, they look like they are always happy. I just don't want my jacks and devil to kill him.
Mike Doviis try to kill everything eventually. I have been lucky with this one because he was raised in this tank with all the fish being triple his size when he first entered it. Never kept the red parrot so I really can’t say much about him . Good luck
Ha love that your wife is filming. What's she think about your fish keeping hobby?
She does not mind a bit. She is a cataholic so she gets it! Besides her cats all love hanging with the fish.
been waiting so long for a video what size are your green terror
Adults range from 5 to 8 inches with lots of 3 or 4 inch youngsters all the way down to fry
Can u do another update will love to see your fish and see u feed them all
Wow! 20" dovii at 3 years? Mine is 12" and he's 2 yrs old, obviously genetics + tanks size+ diet but I bought my pair from a guy that had them in a 75g since 2". I have them in a 125 whilst my 180 is being sorted
Lots of heavy water changes will help him grow at a faster pace if that is what you are looking for.
Would like to see how you do a water change and how much water storage you have
I have shown my water changing system in a video along time ago. Sorry I can’t remember which one. I have no water storage just straight from the tap plus stress coat
Nice tanks and fish bro u no your stuff this is the best hobby there is besides RC cars lol I subscribed will b checking u out here and there I'm inspired. Thanks for sharing me
RAH Hampton glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Mel. I see that you also keep some convicts. I think I remember you saying in an earlier video that years ago you kept convicts also. I keep them too. I keep them because I like the fish. Here in Australia they are often thought of as not worth keeping due to one thing or another, eg, aggression or they breed so easily etc. I see them as ultimate survivers, hardy, and able to adapt to any environment. I am curious though as to why you keep them & would like to hear your thoughts on them.
Cheers. Ross PS I always enjoy watching your videos. Love the Red Devils too.
DaggyGuins yes I started keeping Convicts again last summer. They were the first Cichlid I ever kept (my gateway drug so to speak). My wife always loved them. Once for once they are the toughest Cichlid out there and amazing parents too!
Hi Mel, thanks for reply. They are amazing parents, have a ton of personality, and always interesting to watch. I enjoy them very much. Thanks again. Ross
I live in the Seattle area, how can I contact you to purchase fish?
I have a 9 inch male dovii in a 5x2x2 and how big do you think he will get in there
Depends on how often you do water changes,what type of good you feed and how often among other things. Best guess 16 inches
Overstocked boi
Substrat pro lol..top media.. I do a similar thing. My 2 largest canisters contain only bio media and I have a little fluval 306 as mechanical only
Yes it works out really well that way.
*"WHAT HAVE YOU"*
What percent of your fry usually survive would you say?
Depends, if I plan on selling them to a locale store then about 90 %. If I am just letting nature run it’s course maybe 5%.
GuapoteMel thanks Mel. Interesting, it would be good to know the approaches you take to get the 90% rate. I can’t seem to get a live roughly 60%. It’d be nice to learn your process for moving the fry, feeding which you’ve covered a bit and water changes etc. thanks love your videos.
Hey Mel how r u? I was wondering have yoy ever seen a male juvenile dovii with a few blue freckles in its face?
Sure I have seen them with various colored spots,specs, and streaks
GuapoteMel Awesome. I thought I had a dudd A.K.A hybrid. I'm absolutely loving this fish he's a straight savage. I now understand why you will always keep a male dovii in your possession. When's the next video coming out? We need more vid's. Thanks Mel.
Mel, 2 questio?ns: I have 6 jag./ Tiger motas in a 65 gal. Tank. They are 9 months old, 4 inches lgth and are brother and sisters
Is it typical that a somewhat swollen belly 9 month old 4 inch "jag./r.t. mota" that is chasing others, can be a breeding agressive female or does the slender male always do the courting chase? I have raised these fish from 1 month of age and saw their parents which were jag/r.t.mota. would they be considered as hybreds?
Yes those are hybrids. At that size whoever is largest/ dominant will do the chasing. It is usually a male but not always
Hello I wanted to ask you if you have the red dovii?
No I do not
Hey Mel do you have a extra female Festae that I can purchase this? I local so please let me know....
Sorry I do not at this point
So sad......Ill be waiting for you spawns!!!!
When is the next vidoe update on everything ??
Thanks for your interest. I am currently traveling in New York . Not sure when I will get to another video. I am gone from home a lot till fall.
Mel Do you still have Stalsbergi?
Yes
@@GuapoteMel I need some sir.
@@car77777 , I am keeping all the rest I have for now.
GuapoteMel no problem i was going to try to trade for some of my wild caught central american cichlids! But thanks anyways!
Wow!! Do you ever sell any of these? hehehe :)
Not to often but locally now and again
@@GuapoteMel Are you near Michigan by chance? Lol. I have been trying to get one with such vibrant orange, pink, and red colors. Just amazing.
@@michaelsnyder3577 Seattle
That is the fattest Jag ive ever seen. I love it.
Hey if your still looking for a red Dovii word is that gage Brady has come across some!
Yes I am aware of that just no you at the inn
GuapoteMel pardon?
Sorry typo that’s no room at the inn!
That looks like a turtle 4:25
Can i get some stagbergi
Only way I know to contact you Mel is here on youtube. Ive watched all of your videos and know you have been looking for a Red Dovii for a very long time. There is a confirmed pair in the US. If you would like more info I can get it to you. Let me know.
Thanks Richard , but that ship has sailed for me. As you know I am slowly phasing out of the hobby as I age. It will be years before I am out but I am past adding any new fish.
Come on Mel you have to do it!!!!
Your old moto has hole in the head disease btw...
Yes it is a very old (15 years or so)female Jag, unfortunately this often happens when fish age beyond their natural limit. Their immune system weakens to a point where they are succeptible to many diseases . In the wild it would have been eaten by a predator long ago
Have you ever raised oscars, & what's your opinion on them
Nope never kept them so I really don’t have any opinion on them