Should I Keep My African Cichlids or Get AMERICAN CICHLIDS?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ต.ค. 2024
- The ONLY way I can get the American cichlids I want is to rehome my African cichlids, opening up my 240 gallon tank for those big boy Americans. Can I do it? Should I do it? Would YOU do it? Watch, see what I think, then you tell me what you think. Thanks for watching and be sure to leave a comment for me.
Cichlid Charmer is dedicated to sharing the joy of keeping African and American cichlids and sharing information about them. Much of my content is not cichlid specific, however. It also pertains to all tropical fish aquariums. I will share what I have learned about cichlids, and everyone is welcomed to comment with their own experiences and information about cichlids and aquarium practices in general.
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Great video! Glad to be part of it! Thanks so much!
Thank YOU, Dave!
I recon you should keep your African tank it's amazing
I appreciate that! I am trying to figure out logistics on an idea where I get both.
Have you thought about a Uaru only tank?
I got two large ones (8-inch long) in my 5-ft tank. They are like discus and don't really swim a lot, often preferring to chill behind driftwood. Plus they are easy to feed. Just throw in canned peas, cabbage, zucchini, or cooked carrots and they love it.
Also with your daughter's room Discus tank, I want to say Discus are not that hard to keep. I find most of the internet advice on discus keeping exaggerated. For example: I have 6 asian discus in another 5 foot tank (with excellent sump filtration ). I feed them Australian Black worms (mostly) and pellets. Once a week they get chicken/turkey heart mix. The tank stays crystal clear (despite me not gravel vacuuming). I do 90% water change once a month and that's it.
Look forward to seeing your next projects :)
I will have to look into uaru. I don't know much about those guys.
I'm not dead set on discus yet. There are some concerns with price of each fish (although my other fish aren't cheap either!), plus they are kind of... slow mo. Very peaceful to watch! But still.... Thanks for the info!
The Ben ochart comment had me laughing hahahahahahahaha
😂 you watch him too then? 🤘
@@CichlidCharmer most definitely 😂😂😂 that was so funny hahaha
It’s very interesting to see this video and read the comments as I found your channel searching for info on Peacocks and Haps. I am trying to decide what to do for my next tank. 180+gallon - Salt -Fowlr OR Vieja Melanuras OR Peacocks and Haps. I currently have a 180 South/Central American Tank with 2 Severums, 1 Gold Saum, 2 Nicaraguans, 2 Blue Acara, 5 Rainbow Cichlids, 6 Geophagus Tapajos, and 1 Short Bodied Honduran Red Point. I am also growing out a Thorichthys Aureus and 2 Albino Hecklii and another hopefully female Nicaraguan cichlid for this tank or another. I had a Carpintis in there on two occasions, who now lives in his own 75 until he gets bigger, so I caution you about the Texas cichlid, because my Carpintis is a bully. For your 180, you really should add a rainbow cichlid. They are very peaceful unless they are spawning and really only protect their eggs during that time. Their color is stunning while spawning. If your spouse will okay the new fish room you should do what you need to to put a 180 in there! Good luck on your decisions!
I will have to look up some of those guys. I’m afraid my 240 will still be too narrow for those bigger guys. Yeah the rainbow is definitely on my list. I just don’t want to pay $40 shipping for one fish, so I have to see if the LFS can get one or wait until I need other fish too. Thanks for the great comment!
I love your African tank. I’m an African guy, but I think new world scapes are overrated. It’s still pretty barren, just adding some sticks basically. I have a 220 African tank that I am thinking about renovating too. I decided that I’m just not buying any new fish and if my stock gets low I will just rehome them and start a vieja tank. I’ve also gotten into large planted tanks too. I think a show stopper 240 for you would be a heavily planted discus tank.
I can understand that. However, I I’ve a few rocks and some sticks…. Maybe a stump or two. That tank with discus… 🤘🤩🥰
Lol the future was preordained in this video. 10 ft South American perhaps? Looking forward to more videos on that tank.
So right. Thanks man!
For a 6 foot tank I’d do some kind of combination of Severums, Chocolate Cichlid, geophagus and acara
Shout out to Dave's awesome tank it looks great and love your fish! Oh man David, you can't get rid of your African's too sad, I totally understand you're having to leave that tank with less in it, even my new little German Blues have renovated some of my plants to how they want them not the way I want them. I'm having to wipe the drool off my chin looking at all that space in the empty room, shutter! I had my huge pet Oscar with my other Africans, and they all got along and yes, she played dead when you didn't pay attention to her, yup floated on the bottom on her side pouting, or spit rocks on the side of the tank to get your attention. So, wow so many options, so many. Good luck I can't wait to see what you come up with! Polly
Thank you, Polly.
Thanks Polly! I am flirting with the idea of something that might get me both. It is complicated and expensive, and my wife needs me to buy in on it.
I hope it all works out OK for you. I know spilt the room in half her side a she shed room, your side with tanks, well that might work, happy wife happy life right?! @@CichlidCharmer
@@pollylewis9611 well this involves the living room, so… 😬
Aw, Yes, I see, this could be an issue, hoping you can figure out the perfect setup, anything you do I'm sure will be stunning. I I will be happy to see what you come up with!
@@CichlidCharmer
I am currently facing the same difficulty. I have an incredible 120G with peacocks and haps, each hand-picked like yours. Recently, I've been eying Viejas, specifically the Synspilum & Argantea Vieja, with a hardy aquascape...
I believe African Cichlids (and Discus) are indeed the only freshwater fish that can rival saltwater fish as far as vibrancy and patterns
I feel that I will switch to the Viejas, but I will get bored after a while & miss these vibrant cichlids.
Central American cichlids have more "shimmer" but are nowhere close to Africans regarding colors.
I'm still at a loss...these comments seem to reinforce my belief that I will regret giving away my Africans for 4 (maybe 5) Viejas. And miss the action and vibrancy...folks who see Africans for the first time are simply in awe and presume that they're saltwater fish
Thanks for any thoughts on Viejas vs Africans.
I do get the fact that slow-moving fish are more tranquil to watch. I have a 120 Discus tank, so I can relate to that part
I can't wait to see your future discus tank.
By the way, @cichlidcharmer, thank you for always making your videos fun to watch! I am looking forward to seeing the outcome; I appreciate that your tanks are not overstocked, giving the fish so much freedom to swim around
Keep the videos coming, good man; way positive vibes and energy
It’s a tough decision! Can’t always just add tanks either, and it can be hard to find a space large enough for a big tank. Viejas get up to 14 inches and they are girthy. I don’t personally think a 120 is large enough for these big fish. I’m going over what 13 inches looks like in a tank with the depth dimensions of a 75 in my video for this Saturday. It’s pretty cramped. I would feel cramped in there if I were one of those awesome fish. Anyway, it’s up to you of course, but that’s my two cents. Thank you for the kind words about my channel!!
@CichlidCharmer you're the best. Just made my decision....You're absolutely right about the girth and size of Viejas. And I agree, once Viejas reach maturity, they get really big & feisty....and yes, it would be cramped & I would regret it. Like u said, we can't just add tanks.
That's one of the things I appreciate about your tanks......your fish are nowhere close to cramped, and they are thriving with lots of open space. You can just tell that they're stress free.
Thanks again, I needed to hear that. Have an awesome weekend & looking forward to your upcoming video
@@vinniediego You just made my day. I was concerned you might not like to hear that your tank would be too small for that fish and take offense. But yeah, I feel a little badly putting 12" fish in my 240 when they move around a lot, but they seem happy right now. As long as they are thriving, I'm pretty happy. Thanks for the kind words. Someone just referred the Herichthys carpintis to me -- the female only gets 8" and is beautiful like the larger male. Might want to check that guy out!
It’s crazy that RTS are so hard to find these days. I’d say that’s scaped pretty good for a QT lol
You’re 240 rift is really motivating me to upgrade my rift tank
From my experience, if you switch from rifties, you’ll always come back lol
Haha, well better get to upgrading! Always fun!
Hi, I dig your content.
Female Herichthys carpintis get around 8 inches and look amazing. No males...if you want to stay mid size.
Geophagus Sveni is also pretty cool and would fit your size parameters.
The carpintis is a nice-looking fish - thanks! And it looks like you’re spot on with the size and stick with females. The sveni are a great choice. They are so gorgeous. Thanks man!
180 in the bedroom for the Africans plus the 4ft 110 or 5ft 120 for the discus on the opposite wall. I have 125 CA tank with Pleco Geophagus Sveni - 3 Jaguar Salvini Vieja Middevil Red Devil . Another 125 SA tank with Gold saum Green terror Red Terror Red Tiger Mota Leporinus Fasciatus Oscar Chocolate Severum red shoulder. Plus 100 gal for my discus and a 180 for African mix 😅
That sounds like a dream. The only thing is that a 180 will look too cramped I believe. The wall is only about 9.5 feet and the closet is right there. Window on the other wall. Hmmm. A 125 would fit better. Maybe…. Thanks for the help!
I love your African tank. The great thing about African tanks are the fish are the scape. That's what is great about a low scape tank like yours, instead of the scape being the main focus of the tank the fish are the main focus. I have had Africans for 15 years so I obviously love them. I have a new world tank as well but for sure love my African tanks more.
You know I totally get that. I see many African tanks with just sand and a background even. The fish ARE the focal point. I just like a bit more. Even the scapes with just some rocks and twigs make me happy. I am trying to figure out a way to keep them all. If I come up with something I will probably share it in the next video. BTW, you have so much experience with cichlids, feel free to pipe in any time you have something to share. Always appreciate knowledgeable people!
I am glad you are thinking of new world cichlids. If you love the EBA get a green terror they are so pretty and sparkle under light. I can’t find a rainbow cichlids they change color all the time. I got a chocolate cichlid instead. I love my two Severums I have a green and the gold one to. The green one gets the black vertical lines with the green in the middle so pretty. I should send you a picture of my 98 gal tall tank. ❤ if you like the Oscar I have a red devil female who acts like a water puppy. They do swim slower a lot easier to really enjoy the colors they have.
Yes, please send a pic. Thank you for sharing that 🤩
I did the same thing! got rid of the africans and moved to new world. much much better. I like actually enjoying the tank. hardly any aggression and no fish getting beat up every other day. best decision i’ve ever made!
Good to know! Yeah they have been playing nice lately so the aggression isn’t an issue. I just really want those other guys! Now I’m wondering if a 240 would even feel large enough for some of those big boy Americans…. Someone suggested moving my Africans to a 180, but it would probably be only 125 at most. Hmmm. Pondering….
Alcatraz leave looks amazing! I had 300G with Geophagus Oscars severums and Chocolate cichlid oh and Clown knife too but after 3yrs I just got board and went and did my Peacocks and Haps and I don't regret it. Almost most made me fall back in love with the Cichlids again 😊
So the opposite of me, except I AM in love with them all. I wonder if a 240 would seem cramped for those bigger Americans. Think so? I would have loved a 300 like you.
@@CichlidCharmer yes I would say so I had 240 that was full of big South Americans and everyone was over foot. The tank looked so small unfortunately
@@cichlidman559 grrrr. Researching Americans a foot or under…
i kept a southamerican firemouth with africans , worked pretty good
You just never know, do you??
My tank used to have haps , angelfish , rainbow fish , kongo tetras and plecos and it worked out really good , the fish were not to bothered with the haps and they didnt even have damged fins
Sounds like you had a good mix of characters
@@CichlidCharmer sadly don't have those beautiful haps anymore , one died randomly and others due to pH drop , regret this stupid mistake every time
@@The_Mothzz I have my own regrets as well. My heart goes out to you my friend.
You could do a new background for Alcatraz. That would really up your decor!.. but do what you would be excited for. If big Americans are what you want, you should go for it! I will say I switched from African’s in the past, and I eventually went back to them. Nothing like them. I missed their colors, and that fast active movement
I’m not big on the false rock backgrounds anymore. I used to be. Who knows, I’m always evolving and my tastes change. I think if I change it, I might find a way to keep some of them - smaller ones. Like Zeke 🔥
I get that you love the scape of the Angel tank, and that's part of the apeal in that style of tank. And I get that Malawi tanks aren't scaped perse, but the main star/atrtraction is the fish and those crazy colours. Anyone (non fishy) who sees my Malawi tank (and mine is no crazy impressive tank... OK, it is a little bit cool) is always like "oh my god, marine fish" lol. You have the best of both worlds there. Now, as your daughter gifted you a 'man cave' then obvs the Malawi fish stay. You just gotta figure out logistics of who lives where. Then you have the best of ALL worlds ;o) P.S. Factor in a small sofa in the man cave. You will want to sit and sip coffee/tea/beer etc for an hour at a time to look at the tank. P.P.S. Discus, MEH. I am always drawn to the discus tank in my LFS but they are boring. They just 'hover' there doing nothing. ANd I believe they are quite tricky with parameteres. Losing a fish can be a faier chunk of cash (at least here in teh UK it can be). Good vid sir
Hey Paul, good to see you. So yeah you are right there. I actually thought of a diabolical plan that might allow me to keep the Africans out in the living area AND get those Americans. logistics now (getting my wife’s buy in. Says I already have tanks everywhere). Good point about those boring discus. Pretty though. If I have enough tanks a boring but beautiful one might be doable 🤔. Probably not though because, well, boring is boring. You’re right about that price too. Thanks Paul!
How are they so calm?
I know! They are usually buzzing back and forth because they are trying to trick me into thinking they are starving. 🤪
Viejas Sir those are 👀👀
They are great, but they get up to 14”. I’d prefer a 300 for one of those.
Nothing to do with the vid but in your vid about setting up the apisto tank I saw the female with the stripe in the middle pecking the other one at 14: 52 so that might have been the cause of death for the other female.
Good eye, and yes I think she was the cause. I didn’t know she was pregnant at the time, so I think she was defending her territory
got to look into chocolate cichlids. like the Oscar, they are like puppy dogs. just dont get as big. you could always put the Africans in a 125 in the back.
I’ve seen chocolates in videos. I will have to do some research on them. Thank you!
YOU JUST HAVE I KEEP AFRICAN CICHLID
MAY BE SOME
SEE DIFFERENCE FISH
Ok i have a great idea...do your new ca and sa in alcatraz then move all your african to 180 which is plenty room for them still and get a 125 for your rooom and move angels and geos in that. Boom keep it all!!
That is a great idea, and I thought of it, but I would still have to rehome some of my favorites. Like Gary. Hmmm. Still… now that you say it, it could work with most of my guys.
@@CichlidCharmer I think you'll probably only have to rehome furk..its a lot of people that have more in a 125. I have a 210 with about about 41 africans. That 180 is only slightly shorter but they still have the width and enough space. I hope you don't rehome africans cause I'm here cause of them lol
@@michaelmcclendon3220 I’m constantly thinking of how I can make it work with both. I think I’ll figure it out.
Time to move the Africans on and go New World. If you do get an Oscar, you wont need to aquascape because he will do it for you.
Hilarious - that’s the truth!
In your dream, within a dream, you have a saltwater tank with a beautiful coral garden😂
Salt water sucks bro. 😝🤘
@@CichlidCharmer only the mantainence part 😆
@@elementsoflife000 I was just kidding. I know they are the gold standard for fish keeping 🤩
@CichlidCharmer the end game is saltwater you just don't know it yet. 😉
@@elementsoflife000 I love this 🤩
I hope you don’t stop with the Africans , even if it means in a different tank !
Mulling over a different tank with them. I hate cutting back on their swimming run. Still… thank you for the comment!
Your fish are the star of the tank not the scape, simple is best in this case
Good point. I do like a little more going on though. Still love my African friends too
Skip new world and go tanganyika biotope. Shellies, Rock dwellers, and sardines.
Wait, did you say sardines??
@CichlidCharmer yep cypichromis species. Very beautiful lot. Oh also don't forget the calvus and featherfins. At that size you can get a whole ecosystem going. Imo tanganyikans have better behavior than malawis. I read a while back a study that said julidochromis can actually recognize faces.
@@jinthao00 I should research them more. I never have researched them much. Thank you for the ideas
I completely disagree with you on your reasoning 😂. America cichlids are boring and plain in my opinion.
You know I could definitely see how someone who likes Africans could think so. I enjoy both, but I like the slower pacing of the Americans. Have you ever seen a Black Nasty? Not very boring to watch, but they’ll kill anyone you put with them.
Just buy a new tank !!!! Dont remove those beautifull Africans 🙀
New tanks ARE great, and those Africans are beautiful.... Can't get a new tank large enough for those cool Americans though.....
You will love the central american cichlids, they have huge personality. You will be greeted once You walk in the room.
Well I am greeted by the Africans too, but I know what you mean. I'm having doubts that even my 240 might not be large enough for the CAs. Thanks for the comment!