For more fish keeping tips, check out these playlists: For "Best Fish Keeping Tips" click here: @t For tips and tricks with Fluval FX canister filters go here: @t For tips and tricks with SunSun canister filters go here: @t For videos on water changes and controlling nitrates, click here: @t For videos on general canister filter maintenance, click here: @t My Top 10 most popular videos of all time: @t
My friend learnt with mixing his tank only when the fish have matured. Then it nearly turned into a blood bath. Having said that SOMETIMES mixing can work. He has a peacock bass with a jaguar cichlid and a mixed community now for the last 5 years and the whole community get on very well with no aggression but it is a monster 10ft tank and it’s not over crowded. I took out my dark gravel substrate after my recent heartbreak from one of my tanks. Will go back to bare or the ph friendly sand I’ve got.
Hind sight is always 20 20. There's lots of things I would do different, but learning first hand is the best way for stubborn bone heads like me. Great vid Ben!
Hey Ben, love your videos. You have inspired me to setup a tank of African Cichlids. I had a 55g African Cichlids tank about 20 years ago but never did a lot of research prior to setting up that tank. Over the years I have mainly kept saltwater reefs with my largest tank being 90 gallons. Until recently I didn't realize how amazing these creatures were - again thank you! My goal is to build a large tank with pristine water and a beautiful mix of cichlids that breed. I'm going to read as much as I can and watch as many videos as possible before getting started. Maybe I'll even video my experience and share it along the way. Good tunes at the end!
Hello Mike! I'm very glad I helped get you back into the AC game. It's different now with the resources available to us. If you would like some tips and suggestions, feel free to join the Facebook group: Ben O'Cichlid. Lots of friendly fish keepers there willing to share knowledge. Thank you for watching and supporting my channel. It's appreciated.
I have only been keeping Cichlids for about 4 months and I am that guy with a mixed tank. I'll think about rehoming the Mbunas possibly. Thanks for sharing your journey in better understanding cichlid keeping.
Thanks for the info. I just set up a 75 gal tank for cichlids and checking to see which ones to get and how many I can put in it. I'm definitely going to put in a moving bed filter.
I agree with you about a mix tank. I moved my Johanni ,acei and Mumbai out. Now I have a peacock and Hap tank. You live and you learn. Those Johanni an mbunas were mean. I like the music.
In my opinion that was a smart move Yolanda. There are those who would argue and say that they've had a mixed tank for years. More power to them. It's hard enough keeping the Peacocks and Haps peaceful, why add another X factor, right?! Thank you for your on-going support Yolanda. I've noticed and I appreciate it!
Really great list. My situation: I have gravel and plan to switch to sand. Have an Eheim 350 Classic on its way to me in the mail, so I can change up my current configuration (drip filter, power head and air pump with dual bubble stones after a bubble wand became too much maintenance). If I could go back in time, I'd get cichlids from the same lake, even though I haven't had too much trouble. I think I'd have skipped the Pleco despite the huge benefits, since he's gotten tremendously large (about 20") and he takes fin damage from the cichlids now for territorial reasons (maybe I'll swap him at the store for a smaller one, wash, rinse and repeat). For those territorial reasons, I'm going to be removing a lot of my decor since the tank is overwhelmed with it. I definitely identify with every single tip though, I almost lost some fish to O2 as well, but saw them gulping air at the surface and added more air and surface agitation which very quickly resolved the issue with no losses. Tip #5 was the most important in hindsight, I had no idea what I was doing and only after I bought 5 Auratus did I actually start studying what they needed (hence me upgrading to the 55 gallon tank afterwards and the equipment to maintain it).
Thank you Player. A 20" Pleco...wow. They can get aggressive at that size and try to latch on to the sides of the Cichlids. Good catch on the O2, mine started gulping after I went to sleep and by morning I had a disaster. Thanks for watching and commenting.
You're right. Some Peacock will have to step up. Recently the tank boss battle has been between the big Taiwan Reef and the Intermedius. We'll see how it plays out. Thanks for watching Kevin.
Though you may think its too small and you think your substrate should be different I still have tank envy. You have an amazing looking tank there my friend. ALL of us look at our tank and think of things we should have done differently but you know what that means. It means you haven't gotten bored yet, you are still interested in the hobby, your brain is thinking of new fun ideas, and you are about to spend more money. =D
@@BenOchart I realise its an old video, but it's still relevant. I had cichlids about 8 years ago... converted to marine for about 6 years and now I am in the process of converting back to cichlids... I miss them for their personality, simple beauty and activity. Stumbled across your vids in the process of research and found them very helpful. I've caught the cichlid bug. It'll take a bit of work to convert my current set up but it'll be worth it..... plus, fishkeeping projects are always exciting.
You live and you learn. I've been at the hobby 2 years. I would have done the very things you mentioned. I initially thought I was doing fine getting African coming cichlids. I would have looked more at the regions more and not have a mix tank.
A very common learning curve that many of us go through. I've watched lots of RU-vidrs go through this cycle in the videos that they post. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Great video Ben. With the exception of#1 (started with a 180) I went through exactly what you did. This info is very good for others starting out. Keep it up.
Super crystal water Super colorful high grade fish Please tell us what you feed them Secondly....you have a rimless tank ...how do you prevent fish from jumping out Thanks🌹
Currently I feed a combination of foods including Northfin cichlid pellets, Krill Gold, OmegaOne frozen cichlid cubes, frozen krill and ZooMed Spirulina flakes. On the rimless tank, I really don't have an answer. I've never had one and probably will never run a tank without some kind of lid because 1) Cichlids are tremendous jumpers and 2) It's so dry in SoCal that evaporation is very rapid.
Thanks Dwain. #1 seems to be the most agreed with. I've seen videos where the lava rock is wrapped in a tower and broken up, rinsed and put in a micron bag. We'll see. Thanks for supporting the channel Dwain, it's appreciated.
Yup. I'm finding that to be the most common one. Makes sense, people want to stick a toe in and see if they like the hobby before investing a lot of dough, then they fall in love with the ACs and they're off to the races. Thanks for watching and commenting, it's appreciated.
I quit the hobby 5 yrs ago. 7 months ago I started my first cichlid tank. So far everything I've done is wrong. But I have african cichlids, peacocks, mbuna, haps. Male and female. Had a bad guy for a month or so but the other male somehow took 1st place. I may have problems down the road but I'll just get another tank. I'll send a video on how they are getting along. I'm surprised myself.
I have a question. I'm not trying to offend you or anyone in any way. It seems that the tank is extremely heavily stocked, even for an African Cichlid tank. I know that overstocking is supposed to help with aggression but I'm just curious if this is the "norm" for African Cichlid tanks. I have multiple tanks and have had multiple different themes and species in my tanks. I tend to stick with nano fish although I do love nearly all loaches and rainbow fish. I even did an African Cichlid tank once but didn't like the aggression side of it and decided to give them to a friend. I like the videos and again, I'm not meaning to insult you, I just can't imagine the maintenance involved in such an extremely heavy bio load.
Jaime Turner No offense taken and actually a very good question. IMO I am at the top end of an intentionally over-stocked AC tank. I will be moving everybody over to a 135gal within a month to 6 weeks. At that time this 60gal will become a grow out tank. In the meantime I've added more bio media to the two canisters, do 40 - 60% WC twice a week, service the canisters every 4 - 6 weeks and still battle to keep nitrates at 20 - 40ppm. So, yes, I'm pushing it, but relief is on the way. Stay tuned.
Great video and terrific looking tank,thanks yr video is helping me along.I recently started keeping Africans and learning as much as I can.You are right about the lava rock,no buffering capabilities, but does have a great biological advantage....continued success on yr tank a nd I will be following yr vids...thanks again
Everything in that tank is perfect-1.the cichlids are amazing 2.the colors of the cichlids=epic3 the the itself is big enough (in my opinion)i gues something like 75 gallons.3.the decoration is awesome.4.the water just perfect i gues because its crystal clear.5. You are awesome=perfect!
good points Ben I definitely agree. I think I have many everyone of those mistakes. I just got a 100 gallon tank. I already feel like I should have got a bigger one. lol!
Recently got a used 120 tall with cichlids mix and catfish and Raphael's. The largest cichlid bullies the others I am thinking to remove him Amy lbs swaps fish and get 2 small cichlids so I think that will help or another fish will just become the alpha male of the tank?
Well, there will be a "Boss" for sure. That's how these fish roll. However, sometimes the boss can be a mellow fish that just keeps everybody in check. If the boss is a jerk, it usually needs to find a new home. Good luck. Hopefully you'll find a peaceful balance.
curious if you have had any issues with the loaches and the cichlids. They seems very happy, and I think the loaches add to the tank. I too would like to have them in my Mbuna tank, but I wonder if the cichlids will harass them. Thanks for sharing your videos!
Shannon Murray Not a single issue. The Cichlids ignore then. Sometimes the loaches chase the Cichlids. They have little barbs that allow them to defend themselves.
Sucks trying to buy a fish tank past 55gallons. Seems thats where the "Regular shopper" meets "enthusiast keeper". If you buy a 55gallon or less, you stand to lose money first day. 75gallon+ tanks retain more value, harder to find, and the price for gallon jumps a lot from 55gallons.... I really wanted a 75gallon minimum... Settled on a 60gallon after trying to buy a used 75gallon for almost a year now, say 300-350 for full or almost full setup... Ended up catching a 60gallon with stand, lights, and glass hood for 150bucks this black friday! Brand new! Jumped on it. Prob will do like you say... go for a 125 gallon and tear down all my small tanks. But my cichlids were really outgrowing my 29gallon, was hard to slow aggression in there. Needed a upgrade.
I hear ya. I recently scored a 135 with a nice light set up and black wood stand for $300 on Craig's list. It's a used tank and I'm have to reseal, paint, brace, etc. But it will be worth it. Some Facebook pages and Craig's list can sometimes list great deals on bigger tanks, but you've got to move fast because they get scooped up quick.
Thank you. The live plants in the middle are Anubias Afzelii (green swords). They are from Africa and do well in high pH hard water (and the Cichlids leave them alone!). Thanks for watching and commenting.
thanks for the advice Ben I had been planing on upgrading my tank bigger then the one I have now and save it for angel fish too but I wouldn't get 125 I'd get maybe 55
If the bigger tank will be for African Cichlids, I encourage you to go bigger. You'll thank me in a year. Whatever you do, good luck and thank you for stopping by my channel!
When you discussed substrate. Would a bare bottom work as well or better than sand? I have bare bottom tropical tank now and would like to go bare bottom cichlid
Zachary Hanson Pluses and minuses with each. Plus to a bare bottom is that it's easy to maintain. Minus is that Cichlids spend a lot of time, and it's quite fun to watch, moving the substrate around. Also, the substrate is a great place for beneficial bacteria to thrive. Personally, I like the asethetics of sand or gravel and really enjoy watching the fish carry it around and spit it out. A hospital tank is a different matter. A bare bottom is a good idea there.
Hi Ben, greetings from Amsterdam Holland. Nice video! I just started with the hobby and your tank is very inspiring. May I ask you what's the name of the waterplant with the purple flowers? Love your daughters music. Keep it up, cheers!
Hello. The purple plant is an artificial plant made in China. I do have real (anubias and java ferns) in my recent videos. Thank you for the kind words and I'll pass your comment along to my daughter.
Nice video, Ben i have a 60 gallon corner fish tank. My fish tank looses so much water during the week not sure why, that I'm not removing any water my self... it evaporates water fast .I'm just adding water,Not removing, So..... is this good, normal or is it bad? My tank does not have a glass top, but it has a wooden canopy.
Do you live in a very dry climate? Evaporation can be fast in a dry area or if you're running a/c that removes moisture. I guess it's also possible that you have a slow leak. Is there any mineral build-up on the outside of the tank or along the bottom?
Here's a suggestion: Take a precise measurement of the top of the frame, the corner indent, and go to a local glass/window shop and they can cut some plate glass for you that you can lay on top. Be sure that they polish the edges so you don't get cuts. Then get some big stick-on coat hanger hooks (the kind with a peel-off sticker on the back intended to stick on doors) and stick them to the glass so you can move it easily when you need to. That should help keep the water in.
Its because you don't have a lib on the top of your tank. Get some corrugated polycarbon from Lowes and cut it to fit on the lip of your tank, two pieces. Lowes and Home Depot also sell acrylic. I use that for my lids and baffles but I have to cut them myself. Your always going to have evap. but with out a lid on your tank or sump its evaps really really quick.
Ben Ochart I just Start back again. Purchase 125 gallons last week. Just order fish from Liveaquaria yesterday. I’m real excited! I also purchase 5 electric blue acara off Craigslist.
Very nice. Be sure to look into the fish before purchasing. Places like cichlid-forum.com can give you a little insight to make sure that you don't end up putting fish together that will eventually either kill each other or outgrow the size of your tank. Good luck with your new venture. It truly is a GREAT hobby.
Hello Michael. We all have our stories, and a few regrets. Thanks for watching and, yes, that Z Rock is one of my fav's. He used to be aggressive but now is shy and mellow.
HI I watched your video about keeping african cichlids and I'm a novice cichlid owner but I did research on them so I knew what I was getting myself into before getting them I have a 29 gallon take with seven Africans and one central american cichlid in there it's a firemouth I was wanting to know how many do you think I should put in it to eliminate singling out ? any advice would be good
kris ninneman Hello Kris. Honestly, I think you're maxed out with 29 gal. If you're growing out fry, 20 - 25 would be possible but as soon as they get any size, because they are so territorial, you're going to need a bigger tank. 125 is recommended. Also, and all this is just my opinion, I wouldn't mix South American with African Cichlids. it can get real bad real fast. Good luck and thank you for watching.
This was a long time ago but in case anyone else wants to know, buffering has to do with raising the pH of the water. These guys like high pH and hard water. Some substrates will increase your pH and hardness and keep these guys happier. I didn't hear the O2 comment, sorry.
@@BenOchart Oh yeah, cichlids are primarily what I kept since then because I love them so much. Right now I only have a red zebra, electric blue, and two yellow labs. I plan on getting more in the future
Not a fish that I have kept for quite a while. I would imagine the fish considered "community" fish like neons, angles (can be nippy), rasabora, tetras, etc.
kris ninneman South American or "new world" Cichlid. Not a topic I'm too familiar with. If you google "green terror Cichlid" I'm sure you'll get results.
thanks for the advice.can you please send me[sid] a full version of yor daugthers song it sounds very good.iam on my way to the buy new fish.enjoy your day
Hello and thank you for watching and expressing interest in my daughter's music. If you just google "Highland Kites" you will find numerous links to her various albums and even several free downloads. You can also find Highland Kites music on Pandora (if you have that music service). Again, thank you. Enjoy (and enjoy your new fish!).
hi thanks for the video. .. I just got a 65 gallon tank..would like to know if Top Fin Premium Aquarium Gravel would be OK to use? how many cichlids can be in a 65 gallon tank? also I got a pair of blood parrot from my previous 20 gallon tank.. wouvld they get along with the cichlids? TIA
Not familiar with the Top Fin line but sand or crushed coral are best. CaribSea makes the best product and it comes with good bacteria ("ecocomplete"). If you need buffering (what's the pH of the water out of your tap?) then certainly get some help from your substrate by using aragonite or a crushed coral product. I don't recommend a blood parrot mixed with African cichlids. It could get ugly and I'm not sure if the water and diet requirements of the parrot will be compatible with the ACs. Good luck and keep me posted.
Buffering is making the water less acidic. For example, some fish prefer a pH of around 7, but African Cichlids prefer 7.8 to 8.2. So if you have acidic tap water, at around 7, your going to need to take steps to move the pH up a bit. A good way is to add thinks like limestone or coral that release minerals that neutralize acid, raising pH. Here's a good article: www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/water_chemistry.php
Hi Ben I have a new tank and I'm new to cichlids. When doing a water change the new water I'm adding back into the tank should I try to match the temperature of the tank or does it matter? Thank you
There are some that just run hose water and say it's fine. Me, I get within a degree or two and then fill up (I use an Aqueon hose system that attaches to the tap, no buckets!).
my chiclid killed 4 chiclids in a tank of 3 sharks and one algae eater . and 8chiclids. it only targets dolphin chiclids and killed it when i went out. tell me how to control it's agression. and i tried all the tips to control it's agression
Hi Ben, is a 29 gallon tank doable for a good 5-6 assorted African Cichlids? My space is limited but I do prefer these fish over the others. I may eventually upgrade but it will be several years from now.
Noel Shafi I started with a 29 and had to get a bigger tank in 6 - 9 months. it's not just size but also territory issues. There's a South American Cichlid called a Ram. They come in blue and gold. Very pretty. You could put 5 - 6 in a 29. They are fun to watch.
The tanks in my most recent videos or the tank in this video? The one in this video, which I sold last October, was a traditional 60 gallon: 48.5” wide, 12.75” front to back and 25” tall
Most people can’t or won’t pay for a tank larger then 55-75g when starting or even when slightly experienced. Then add in the equipment you need.. Big Big front expense. I don’t think that’s logical at all. You are talking $600 for a fully setup and stocked 75 vs $600 for just a 125-150. Second... there are going to be mistakes... a 55-75 is big enough to learn basic water care but not so large that you cant Medicate an entire tank or do quick large water changes. I would say the worst thing anyone can do is get a 10-20 gallon as a beginner tank as they are so difficult to get setup and cycled with fish..
