53 replies to this topic

[Bowdy]

Fish are looking good mate how big are they now ? If your looking to move a couple on il be interested.
They would probably thank you if you use shone that won't push the PH up. River stones driftwood ect. Likely to get better colour out of them also. Cheers.

[Johno1982]

Hey Bowdy, ph is pretty good plus I like the limestone look against the black gravel can't afford the real Texas rock so though I'd give it a go making it instead. Yea had quite alot of interest in them but I'll keep you in mind want to be 100% sure on a pair before I move them on ;)hopfully these guys make a come back into Wa ;)cheers for the feed back

[Peckoltia]

I am under the staunch belief that with multi-generation tank bred fish, it is about a consistent pH, avoiding pH swings rather than replicating a preference for their wild brethren

[Bowdy]

Cant disagree with that Alex your right. But in terms of colour what I have found with keeping americans is that keeping your water a bit softer does tend to bring out stronger colour. Just what I have observed with my fish.
Cheers.

[Johno1982]

True with both but the ph is pretty constant slight changes at water changes but the hardness of the water is quite hard in Mandurah haven't found anything to soften it but did some reading and I believe it's not really a huge thing but vertically I'd like to bring it down a tad if you have any ideas on how to easily I'd be more than happy to try it out but not if it's an experiment lol don't want them to go down hill
Also Bowdy I might be interested in a swap if you have any L046

[Bowdy]

Hehehe a swap for 046's good luck with that one mate. I find wood softens the water. Poncho used an aqua soil mixed into his substrate to soften the water also. But wanting to soften your water you will be fighting a losing battle if using limestone.
Good luck with it mate.

[Johno1982]

Lol yea thought I'd be pushing up hill lol but worth a try lol
Drift wood will go ok might just have to use purigen as well will the hardness really make a big difference?

[Fishrock]

Are they red terror ? Is the bright red and yellow the same kind of fish as the others ?

[Bowdy]

Yes and yes

[Fishrock]

Are the differet coulors due to age , sex

[Fishrock]

Guys ?

[werdna]

Sex. Although they dont start colouring up till around 6cm, so a little bit to do with age too
Females get the colours you can see in Johno's profile pic.
Males go solid orange with red fins and greenish tinge around the cheeks.

[Fishrock]

So the females get the more striking colours ? Thats unusual in fish

[dazzabozza]

Common with other fish too like convicts, blue eyed cichlids, kribensis. Female substrate spawners usually defend the fry more agressively than males and have to look more threatening.

[Fishrock]

I want one lol

[Fishrock]

are they hard to get?

[choombies]

Very

[Fishrock]

How would one get some do u know?

I looked on google and someone says that the ones in captivity are not pure but hybrids. Do yous think that's right?

[werdna]

Put up a Wtb in classifieds.

I doubt the hybrid statement is true.

[Johno1982]

Well!!! Ive got a pair!!! Yes female is very aggressive to the others but not to the male today I got to witness the breeding process today lol female back and forth in a cave then the male came in and did the same over the same spot and all day they have been guarding it like crazy!!
I've got 3 definate females with one more I'm pretty sure but not 100% and 6 males I'm going to keep 2 males and 2 females so that means they are going up for sale very very soon so excited!!! Keep an eye on the board