CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

While we were on vacation there was a number of power outages,  I had a friend come in to feed the animals and in my 130 gallon the pumps didn't come back on properly.  She noticed that something didn't sound right and by the time she figured it out it was too late.  I lost 3 Beautiful 12" Oscars, my 18" Albino Channel Cat, and 2 smaller Cichlids, (my 10" pleco survived).  I'm not sure if I've ever been so heart broken..... 

o wow. im sorry. hey do you think you can help me with a few questions? im trying to get some cichlids and i dont know where to start.. ? what kind is good for a farily large fish tank.. not to big.. but big enough..and what kind of food do they eat ?  and do they need heated water?

Sorry to hear that, Jewles.  That's a concern all (or most) of us have.  We're so dependent on artificial means of oxygenation that a prolonged power failure is a real nightmare scenario.  I've put a UPS on (well, under) my biggest tank, but that's really only a short-term lifejacket. 

jacobblack_04

sorry it took so long for me to reply, been real busy lately.  The type of cichlids to get is quite a broad question, alot depends on what you like, what gets along together, and what's available.  I strongly suggest that you do lots of research before you buy, I've seen lots of people buy fish that get too big, too agressive, or require special care.  I also wouldn't take what the pet store sais to be 100% true either, most of them just want to sell you the fish, they don't always care.  There is lots of different types of cichlid foods to buy out there, just remember not to feed them blood worms because it can kill them.  Yes they do need a heater.  Good luck, hope that helps........

Jewles,  I have heard you should not feed African Cichlids blood worms as it can kill them but I have never heard of a CA/SA Cichlid you could not feed them to.  Did I misunderstand your last post or are you talking spicificaly africans.  If not could you please tell me more on this and where you learned this so I don't kill my fish as I treat my Oscars, Severums, and Cons with bloodworms  and would hate for them to go belly up on me one day because of it.

Thanks James

There's no reason not to feed bloodworms to most CA/SA cichlids, or even some Africans.  Depends on their natural diet.  A lot of the rift lake cichlids are primarily vegetarian, with an elongated gut to adequately digest the plant matter.  Meaty foods can staay in the gut longer and begin to decompose, causing bacterial infections (Malawi Bloat).  Carnivorous fish aren't susceptible in the same way.  Main point here is to know your fish's diet, and stay in the same ballpark as you feed.

Thanks DanRad,  That was what I had thought but you never stop learning new things so figured I would double check.