Want to learn how to keep your very own African Cichlids? It's not as hard as you think, let me teach you 😊 👉 kavemanaquatics.com/keeping-african-cichlids/
I am impressed of your tanks and I am in aquaristic all my life and I am nearly 40. I had american cichilds, and most of tropicals even small salty one for year. Never hold malawi but after your you tube channel so did decide I want to go for them. Got a tank of 175gal with 55 gal sump all waiting for me when move out next year to new place. But I had a lots of problem which i should go mbunas or haps and peacocks. I am curious of herbivores fish as most of tanks before had omnivores. Just wonder how many colourful species I could find of herbivores mbunas and are they any herbivores haps peacoks? Any advice or help what should i go for if wish to keep most colours.
@@123tigerkrzysztof Thank you Sir, glad to hear your considering some African Cichlids. Peacocks and Haps can eat veggies but will require a higher protein diet as well. If you wanted to go straight herbivores mbuna are your best bet. And yes, there’s plenty of species and colors to choose from. Check out my Free Webinar on African cichlids before you dive in 😁 - event.webinarjam.com/channel/KaveMan-Aquatics
I have a convict in my tank but was told that he cannot be put with the cichlids I have. When I brought him he was in a mixed tank of the same childas I have so now im confused. Is there a good app I can get the show me what haps and peacocks go together.
I just found your videos as I'm looking to upgrade to a 125 for my cichlids. African Cichlids are what made me enjoy the hobby so much more than little fish. They have so much personality and colour. Such beautiful fish
Your videos have been really helpful. I'm still a beginner and have lost so many fish in four years requiring a complete tank restart each time. I had almost given up. Armed with your videos and tips, I'm going to give it one more try -- this time focusing on immediate overstock of peacocks and haps, and frequent water changes and vacuums. Hopefully that will keep them ALL safe from the sole Jewel survivor who is about four inches now. Thanks for all the info!
I absolutely love your channel! You have great content and give very good information! Thank you for all that you do and for making these videos short and sweet and to the point. I used to have a chiclid tank but got rid of it and now im starting back new and you are helping me immensely!
My personal biggest mistakes (you don’t have to agree with these - this is a list of things I personally won’t repeat): -Mixing a piscivore (a Frontosa) with haps and peacocks -Adding OB’s to my tank -Being careful to slowly change parameters from your quarantined fish from store of purchase parameters to your personal tank conditions -Listening to a person who works in a fish supplier (it’s better to figure it out yourself and research a lot) -Belieiving what people say on the internet about African Cichlids (again - be very cautious as even very popular UA-cam channels we al watch have advise that’s not correct). No mixing Jewel cochlids with haps and peas is not advisable. -Not keeping a diary of fish related problems (record treatment, disease, result, mistakes & sucesses) Happy Fin keeping! 😁🐠
Cool tips. I normally don't bother watching top 5 or top 10 videos as they're normally just obvious things like 'no.1 make sure your tank's cycled, no.2 do water changes, no.3 buy a test kit' but this was actual helpful info. Glad I watched it even though I don't have any cichlids 😊
I know exactly what you mean!! So many videos out there like that that's why I emphasized in the beginning I was going to strictly stick to African Cichlids! lol Glad I wasn't the only one that caught that 👍 Thanks for giving the video a chance!
The most helpful video so far . Omg trying to get someone to simply explain keeping cichlids together or not together was so difficult. So thank you . Going to start adjusting my tank to your info now .. I feel so much more comfortable going forward with my tank now .
@@bobcote1375 peacocks are Aulonacara, haps are the rest. But there’s many families of haps ranging from 5”-18” Mbuna are easy to recognize when you see them next to peacocks and haps
Great tips as always 😁 I used to breed Malawi for many years but had a break for a while but I'm picking it back up again this week so little refreshers like this come in handy so thankyou 🤗
I love your videos! I just switched over to African cichlids and I love them. They appear shy, they hide a lot when I get near the tank so I know I’m doing something wrong. Just trying to figure out what it is before I lose one or all of them.. 😰 your videos are helping A LOT! Thank you!
I just had a outbreak Yesterday. Lucky i had a tank to use as a nursery tank. Now i have an excuse to get another tank. Looking forward to see how they turn out, as i dont know who dad is. Really enjoy your channel.
I know this is an old video butt 15 years ago that somehow got ended up with a 90 tank that went to petco and got 10 random chiclids. Now, same tank, I have about 45 it crazy and fun to watch nature the stronge survive and the weak die
Been doin community tanks fer a while n have recently gone back to cichlid tanks. Thx fer the amazing refresher. Ive learned load of new info as well. May even build up enough nerve to do a peacock tank after im satisfied with my mbuna. Okay, back to binge watching ur content 😅
I recently came into possession of a large tank when a friend moved and really need advice. Tank is 60 gal. Fish are: 8 tiny African Cichlids (recently bought from pet store (March 2022) about 1.5 inches long - 2x Auratus, 2x Demasoni, 3x Kenyi and 1x Venustus), one slightly bigger pale blue shiny Cichlid - not sure of species (about 2 inches) & 4 common plecos (13 inch, 11 inch, 7 inch and 5 inch (all approximate) ) Obviously they need different food and I have Top Fin Pleco wafers for the Plecos plus several times a week half an English cucumber weighted down with a rock and twine. For the Cichlids I have two types of flakes (Fluval bug bites & API Tropical) and one type of floating Cichlid sticks (Tetra). Previously I had a 30 gal tank with only my 3 plecos so I feel (lol) a bit out of my depth here. I have had 2 of the small new fish (Auratus Cichlids) die and wonder if it may be because they tend to eat pleco food and thus antagonize the plecos. Or - possibly I am over feeding? I have made a half dozen trips to my pet store and have bought chemicals, airstones, food etc etc. I am really trying to sort this as I want everyone to be healthy. There was a "fish apocalypse" several days after I got the tank when we lost power for 2 days and all of the fish that came with the tank (except one pleco and the slightly larger Cichlid) died. Since then I have been doing all I possibly can as I feel terrible about the loss. A few days ago my water was tested and deemed to be just fine. But today March 19th) the 2nd Auratus died so not sure what the issue is. Am about to clean the filter again (1st time 2 weeks ago it was nasty!), and regularly remove pleco poo. The 1st one died on March the 9th (or so) and I still do not know what - but this prompted a trip to the pet store. Essentially I would welcome any advice on feeding (how much should I feed them & how often & am I not feeding them the right stuff) , cleaning (should I take out fake plants etc every few days to remove most pleco poo?) , and whatever else I can do to get this right. BTW the Tetra sticks were what came with the tank and fish and are obviously too large for all but the one larger Cichlid so I only put in a 3 a day. BTW I have recently bought Seachem Matrix and Fluval Quick Clear Pads and will use both when filter is cleaned. Other media is Fluval rings in top 2 compartments (one of which I will put Matrix) and foam plus a thin pad (probably fluval ammonia?). Will discard those pads and replace with quick clear. For chemicals I have Nutrafin Cycle & AquaPlus, API PH Up, Seachem Prime & Stability. Used the Nutrafin stuff for years in old tank and the other stuff was bought recently in an effect to improve water .
Hi Janet, I have to be honest I couldnt read this long comment. I have tons of comments to reply to. But if you're new to the hobby this is the best place to start - ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er.html
Hi, great info overall, did majority of the mistakes earlier mentioned and every cichlid ended dying Now, I got a 50gallon tank can I add peacocks now and if yes how many to add?
Kevin, I bought the 55 Sunsun Wave maker and the FS-230 Freesea, they are working great in my 55 gallon tank. I have spent over a thousand dollars on fish and most of them died. After watching your video I definitely am buying a QT. I also will change stores since the place I have been using never recommends fish or how to handle them into a new tank. I have found another store here I will try this week. Thanks
Thats awesome, welcome to the African Cichlid world lol I've gotten most of my fish from coastalcichlids.com And you can use my code Kaveman10 for a 10% discount.
Hey bro hope you are well. I am starting to add some AC into my 120g tank and this video is extremely helpful. Although I have had fish for most of my life, mainly South America cichlids, this is the first time with AC. wish me luck! 😊😊 Take care of yourself and thanks a lot for the great content as always. Ciao for now my friend
Glad I could help! You'll love the African Cichlids as well! Hers a playlist with more info on them - ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8MG9hyJ8PjbC33zEbcyy8__.html
KaveMan Aquatics This is so very handy bro. I have just made an order online for 10 juveniles 😱 The playlist will definitely help and I thank you for it. Will I find something about buying fish online? All the best bro
I have an outbreak. My tank is 65 gallon. 3 grown african Cichlids one Jules. I stop buying because I know have 15 babies or so in my tank. The Jules is huge and I thought he would eat the babies, but he doesn't or chase them. I have lots of hiding spots and plants. It's crazy 🤪 happen in a snap
Thanks bro, glad to hear you're enjoying the channel! If you're new to African Cichlids I highly suggest you checkout my free webinar with some important tips on them! Register free here - event.webinarjam.com/channel/KaveMan-Aquatics
I am new to Aquarium , please help me Kaven , 1) Which is best "Colourful " fish for 1 feet by 1 feet soft-water fish aquarium ? 2) after how many days we need to put planted fish with treated water with medicated water ?
Such an informative and stunning video! Thank you! You said 55 gallon is the minimum; so, how many would you put in a 55 gallon if yuo're going for overstocked? And how many if you're not overstocking? Thank you!
@@KaveManAquatics amazing thank you! I know you said overstocked is the way, and that if you didn't want to, take like 8 fish away from your numbers. What ratio of males to females would you recommend if you were putting say 8-10 peacocks in a 55 gallon? Or would you say all males? Please and thank you!
When I add 1 fish into the tank I move all the ornaments around, which skakes up the hierarchy anyway. I also change the tank around when there are signs of aggression / dominance and that works too.
I agree completely in the minerals. Do you have any advice on community tank set ups. I only have a 20 gal with guppies platys and my stud the Betta. I'm planning on working on a fish room in the next month or so. Definitely going to set up some Africans. Love the obs. Are they difficult to keep? I also love American cichlids. Acara,ram,Geo ect. Hope to see more of your useful content. Thank you
Congrats on the new fish room! Africans can be challenging but not if you have all the info. You can start here - ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8MG9hyJ8PjbC33zEbcyy8__.html I also keep Americans that you mentioned. Much easier to keep. The only advice I can give you on the 20 gal community tank is that it wont last long. It'll soon become your hospital/quarantine tank as you transition to cichlids 😁🤣
Love your channel. I thought about PH with African cyclids but then I hear from many lfs that most of the fish that are being bred are being bred in normal neutral city water? That the fish are raised being used to that and don't need higher PH unless you take them right out of the African rivers? Also with cyclid trace salt, how does that work? I think of the term salt and I think how salt doesn't evaporate. Will it collect in the tank turning the tank eventually to salt water and hurting the fish?
Many breeders do that because they dont keep the fish long term. They are in the business of buying and selling fish. For us, the keepers of these beautiful fish, they do best when kept in their natural parameters, no matter how they are bred. This doesnt pertain to all species but is especially important in African Cichlids because of their brackish water ancestry. Salt is added to the tank based on water change levels, not the entire volume of the tank. So salt levels will always remain consistent. I have a free webinar training on African Cichlids, you should check it out! - event.webinarjam.com/channel/KaveMan-Aquatics
Great video I wish I would've watched this video before I got into cichlids but I'm already there. ? How many cichlids can put in a tank size off 75 or 150
About 25-30 in a 75....double that in a 150. But you will have to over filtrate. I have a free webinar training on African Cichlids, you should check it out! - event.webinarjam.com/channel/KaveMan-Aquatics
You have a beautiful tank that breaks most if the rules not only do you have Mbunas with Haps and Peacocks but you one Central American cichlid plus hybrid cichlid that doesn't exist the wild. You also have cichlid that are small enough to be eaten by at least one Hap in your tank. I used to get away with breaking those rules also I bred and raised some mbunas in 75 Gal tank with some Haps as well as.
My fish were constantly breading. I had dolphins and obs and Keni , acai, an albino red fin zebra. I ended up with some pretty cool looking fish. There were babies at any given time. Unfortunately we had a freeze a couple years ago and lost power for 9 days, lost dozens of fish. I'm ready to start my tanks back up though
So quick question. I’ve been doing some research and thinking of getting cichlids instead of regular tropical fish. I have a 55 gallon. I am probably not going to overstock too much but is a Fluval 407 canister enough filtration with a sponge filter as well??
Do you do videos for normal freshwater fish like guppies and Mollies etc. I think your videos are great there's some videos you've done thats helped me with my water testing and canister filters ect alot keep them coming
Thanks, glad you've been enjoying the channel. Unfortunately no I dont keep mollies or guppies but I try to include a lot of general aquarium tips and advice on the channel. This weeks video will be about micro bubbles in your tank 😊
Thanks kev for the reply I can't wait for the micro bubble video this week sounds interesting when will this be added to your channel I've only started having fish for a little as a year ago and I got 54 litres, 200 litre then a sick/ quarantine 14 litre tank and that's all within a year 😀 it been quite stressful but since I've been watching your videos and learning and getting the api master test kit right for the frist time in a year nitrate one 😀 keep it up
I have Peacocks and mbunas mixed in a 500 liter. Doing great. My male socolofi is the boss (Mbuna) Wish i could upload a picture of my tank here I do have male and female mixed, 2 times little ones from te socolofis
My school has cichlids and I recently joined the club to care for them and I see some baby cichlids that are probably a year old now. We don't have a quaratine tank for them but I'm surprised quite a few survived becsuse there's about 10 fishes in the large tank
Does keeping cichlids in the breeder net/box stunt their growth or affect their shape in anyway? Really enjoy the content you put out, concise yet detailed. 👍🏻
That’s a great question. I’m not 100% sure, but based on general aquarium knowledge I would say yes it would def stunt their growth. The lack of swimming space, plus the added stress of being in a small box would most likely slow their growth. Don’t think it will effect their shape much but definitely slow growth. I recently just received my little guy and my grow out tank isn’t ready yet. But yea, I wouldn’t keep any fish in a breeder net for more than a day or 2.
Hi Kev, love your videos. I want to add the crushed coral to my fluval canister as you suggested, How much should I add and what part of the canister should I place it? Also should I put it in some kind of a filtered bag? I have a 60 gallon with 4 cichlids. Thanks so much👍
Hey Mark, Glad you're enjoying the videos! Without knowing which fluval canister you have its a bit harder to explain, because the direction of water flow changes depending on which canister you have. But yes the crushed coral should go in a filter bag, here's my link to amazon for the bags - amzn.to/2MsoPU8 And it should go in the last tray that water hits before exiting the canister. I'd say just fill the bag as much as the tray its going in can hold. In some cases you might need to add more directly to your substrate. (I had to) Heres a video showing exactly how I put the crushed coral in my FX6 - ua-cam.com/video/dllg-vSN-EU/v-deo.html Hope this helps, let me know 😊
Hey Kev, thanks for your previous prompt reply/advice re Substrate . Your videos have made me get the confidence to set up my own cichlid tank and Im in the set up process. You think I can have a 50:50 mix of Silica Sand and Aragonite for my 55 gallon tank Thanks mate.
Absolutely, that will work just fine. While setting up your cichlid tank have you watched my free webinar training yet? Check it out - event.webinarjam.com/channel/KaveMan-Aquatics
When you say over filter your tank, I have a 55 gallon tank and I’m running 2 internal marineland 350s. Should I get the FX4 and only do 1 internal marineland? I saw you have the FX6 and FX4 in your 75
I had an FX6 and a 407 on my 75. Yes, you can go with an FX4 and 1 internal. But honestly, for a few bucks more just go with the FX6....you'll most likely need it in the future anyway 😁
I really need help with this please ! I have been searching forever for an answer and I can’t get a definitive one. Can I raise the ph in my aquarium that’s already established with convicts and some African cichlids while they are in the tank? I’m wanting to add some aragonite sand to help bring up the ph and hopefully that would keep it steady. I am also going to start a grow out tank for some peacocks and haps and maybe mbunas that’s almost ready to get going I’m just worried that if the ph is different from the store and when I add them to my tank, Will the stress of a change in ph kill them ? Thanks, Kev your awesome btw! I really appreciate you man ! Kind regards. Will Y
Yes you can add aragonite sand to raise the PH. As long as PH raises slowly it wont shock them. Aragonite sand will do just that, raise it slowly. If you're new to African Cichlids you should check out my free webinar! - event.webinarjam.com/channel/KaveMan-Aquatics
Kev I have a question, I have an Auratus who changed his colors to all black, now he is changing again and has a blue stripe down the center of his body, What would cause his color to change he is an Auratus with yellow and black stripes as they should look ,but changed . What is the cause? No others in the tank have been affected. Water is good. PH perfect ,all elements in the tank are good. Food is quality. Filters are on point per your advice on the Chanel. I’m running a Fluval 407 and 207 with a sponge filter and two wave makers in a 60 gal.Your thoughts ? Oh yea Happy Birthday Marine! Nov 10 ,1775 Simper Fi !
Happy belated devil!! 💪💪 Unfortunately I have 0 experience with Auratus. Really couldnt give you any good advice on why the color changes. Sorry I couldnt help bro
As usual, standard of info top drawer. Noticed that its different quantity of salt depending on which lake. Do you go for a middle dose if you've mixed all 3 lakes?
How often all the water goes through the filtration is a "turn over". If your filter pushes 200G/hour and you have a 100G tank, then your filter can turn the tank over twice/ hour 😁
Is there a way to tell mbuna and peacocks apart? I mixed them without realizing I shouldn’t have … and now I want to unmix them but I can’t tell which is which
They have different body shape and mbuna are smaller than Peacocks. With time you'll be able to tell the difference easily! 😁 I have a free webinar training on African Cichlids, you should check it out! - event.webinarjam.com/channel/KaveMan-Aquatics
Sir i have 2 pcs venustus can i add tangerine and autarus blue kenyie and ice blue is this compatible in one tank i try to community tank 1 pcs tiger oscar and 2 pcs venustus its ok no fighting
Hey quick question about quarantining cichlids. You said that you should get between 3-5 fish at a time when adding new fish. How big of a quarantine tank is required for this? Thanks!
Hello bro and well done for you work and your channel!! today I watch your video, for mistakes yoy say that not mbunas with peackoks and in your aquarium we see labidochromis with aulonocara, is this a mistake you tell? Please your answer will be helpfull
Is a 36 gallon bow front enough space for 5 cichlids? I'm not planning on stuffing it too tight. Plus I have decorations that offer hiding and spaces which can be "territories" for each fish
55 gallons is the smallest recommended size for African Cichlids. You can learn more about them in my free webinar training - event.webinarjam.com/channel/KaveMan-Aquatics
Hey thanks for getting back to everyone who leaves a comment! Great content by the way. There’s a fish in your thumbnail that I’m trying to find. Right under the title. Its multi colored, has like a greenish face orange body with dark spots. Do you know the name of that fish? I didn’t see it in the video, just the thumbnail. Thanks!!
Want to learn how to keep your very own African Cichlids? It's not as hard as you think, let me teach you 😊
👉 kavemanaquatics.com/keeping-african-cichlids/
I am impressed of your tanks and I am in aquaristic all my life and I am nearly 40. I had american cichilds, and most of tropicals even small salty one for year. Never hold malawi but after your you tube channel so did decide I want to go for them. Got a tank of 175gal with 55 gal sump all waiting for me when move out next year to new place. But I had a lots of problem which i should go mbunas or haps and peacocks. I am curious of herbivores fish as most of tanks before had omnivores. Just wonder how many colourful species I could find of herbivores mbunas and are they any herbivores haps peacoks? Any advice or help what should i go for if wish to keep most colours.
@@123tigerkrzysztof Thank you Sir, glad to hear your considering some African Cichlids. Peacocks and Haps can eat veggies but will require a higher protein diet as well. If you wanted to go straight herbivores mbuna are your best bet. And yes, there’s plenty of species and colors to choose from. Check out my Free Webinar on African cichlids before you dive in 😁 - event.webinarjam.com/channel/KaveMan-Aquatics
I have a convict in my tank but was told that he cannot be put with the cichlids I have.
When I brought him he was in a mixed tank of the same childas I have so now im confused.
Is there a good app I can get the show me what haps and peacocks go together.
I kept cichlids about 10 years ago. This video is a great refresh for my knowledge. Thank you
My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁
I just found your videos as I'm looking to upgrade to a 125 for my cichlids. African Cichlids are what made me enjoy the hobby so much more than little fish. They have so much personality and colour. Such beautiful fish
I feel the same way! African Cichlids are what really locked me into the hobby! Glad to hear they have done the same for you too!! 😊😊
Your videos have been really helpful. I'm still a beginner and have lost so many fish in four years requiring a complete tank restart each time. I had almost given up. Armed with your videos and tips, I'm going to give it one more try -- this time focusing on immediate overstock of peacocks and haps, and frequent water changes and vacuums. Hopefully that will keep them ALL safe from the sole Jewel survivor who is about four inches now. Thanks for all the info!
Awesome, Glad I was able to help and glad you did't give up! If you run into problems and need help, let me know! 😊
Did the Jewell terrorize your other fish ? I have just recently had this happen to me
I absolutely love your channel! You have great content and give very good information! Thank you for all that you do and for making these videos short and sweet and to the point. I used to have a chiclid tank but got rid of it and now im starting back new and you are helping me immensely!
You are so welcome! Thanks for that positive feedback 😊 Glad to hear your enjoying the channel and finding it helpful!
My personal biggest mistakes (you don’t have to agree with these - this is a list of things I personally won’t repeat):
-Mixing a piscivore (a Frontosa) with haps and peacocks
-Adding OB’s to my tank
-Being careful to slowly change parameters from your quarantined fish from store of purchase parameters to your personal tank conditions
-Listening to a person who works in a fish supplier (it’s better to figure it out yourself and research a lot)
-Belieiving what people say on the internet about African Cichlids (again - be very cautious as even very popular UA-cam channels we al watch have advise that’s not correct). No mixing Jewel cochlids with haps and peas is not advisable.
-Not keeping a diary of fish related problems (record treatment, disease, result, mistakes & sucesses)
Happy Fin keeping! 😁🐠
Cool tips. I normally don't bother watching top 5 or top 10 videos as they're normally just obvious things like 'no.1 make sure your tank's cycled, no.2 do water changes, no.3 buy a test kit' but this was actual helpful info. Glad I watched it even though I don't have any cichlids 😊
I know exactly what you mean!! So many videos out there like that that's why I emphasized in the beginning I was going to strictly stick to African Cichlids! lol Glad I wasn't the only one that caught that 👍 Thanks for giving the video a chance!
😃🙏
Kave man gets to the point 👍. I appreciate it!
My pleasure bro! 😁💪
The most helpful video so far . Omg trying to get someone to simply explain keeping cichlids together or not together was so difficult. So thank you . Going to start adjusting my tank to your info now .. I feel so much more comfortable going forward with my tank now .
Glad it was helpful! Here's a full playlist with tons of info on African Cichlids - ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8MG9hyJ8PjbC33zEbcyy8__.html
Damn dude, you replied to every comment. That’s hustle! Much respect
lol Thanks, I do my best to at least get 1 reply in! 😁💪
Could you do a video on the difference between peacocks, haps, and mbunas in detail? Breeds etc?
I’m currently working on an online course on keeping African cichlids which includes exactly that information. Look out for it in a few more months 😊
@@KaveManAquatics have you posted this online coarse yet?
@@bobcote1375 peacocks are Aulonacara, haps are the rest. But there’s many families of haps ranging from 5”-18” Mbuna are easy to recognize when you see them next to peacocks and haps
Great tips as always 😁 I used to breed Malawi for many years but had a break for a while but I'm picking it back up again this week so little refreshers like this come in handy so thankyou 🤗
My pleasure, glad it was helpful and glad you’re back at it again! 😁💪
This was a great video. I only have two cichlids and now I think I need more. 😮
I love your videos! I just switched over to African cichlids and I love them. They appear shy, they hide a lot when I get near the tank so I know I’m doing something wrong. Just trying to figure out what it is before I lose one or all of them.. 😰 your videos are helping A LOT! Thank you!
Love all the vids good work bruhh 💪🏼
Autonomous link Thanks bro, appreciate you! 💪
You are so helpful! I'm going to start tank after I get my beloved Yorkie! Your channel will be the go to!
Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪
I love your turkis peacock can't wait to stock my 75gallon tank next week
Oh that’s gonna be so much fun! Congrats! 😁
I just had a outbreak Yesterday. Lucky i had a tank to use as a nursery tank. Now i have an excuse to get another tank. Looking forward to see how they turn out, as i dont know who dad is. Really enjoy your channel.
Its always awesome to have a great excuse for a new tank! LOL 😊
Great video!
Questions:
• How many Haps/Peacocks would you add in a 250 gallon tank?
• And how many FX6 would you use?
Thanks in advance!
Another great video bro keep it up
Thanks bro!! 😊😊
Great vid full of info as always subbed
Thanks Tommy, glad you found it helpful 😊
I know this is an old video butt 15 years ago that somehow got ended up with a 90 tank that went to petco and got 10 random chiclids. Now, same tank, I have about 45 it crazy and fun to watch nature the stronge survive and the weak die
This is a new hobby I'm sharing with my son and we love your videos. My 10 year old watches them all the time. Thanks for taking the time. Jason
That is awesome! This is a great hobby for father and son! Glad you guys are enjoying the channel! 😊
Lot of questions answered for me in this Vid thanks Kev 👍
Awesome! My pleasure bro 😊💪
Thank you for your efforts and time. You provide me with very useful information for free. I greatly appreciate it, bro
My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁
Been doin community tanks fer a while n have recently gone back to cichlid tanks. Thx fer the amazing refresher. Ive learned load of new info as well. May even build up enough nerve to do a peacock tank after im satisfied with my mbuna. Okay, back to binge watching ur content 😅
My pleasure bro! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁
Ur a wealth of knowledge n an inspiration 💪💪💪
I recently came into possession of a large tank when a friend moved and really need advice. Tank is 60 gal. Fish are: 8 tiny African Cichlids (recently bought from pet store (March 2022) about 1.5 inches long - 2x Auratus, 2x Demasoni, 3x Kenyi and 1x Venustus), one slightly bigger pale blue shiny Cichlid - not sure of species (about 2 inches) & 4 common plecos (13 inch, 11 inch, 7 inch and 5 inch (all approximate) )
Obviously they need different food and I have Top Fin Pleco wafers for the Plecos plus several times a week half an English cucumber weighted down with a rock and twine. For the Cichlids I have two types of flakes (Fluval bug bites & API Tropical) and one type of floating Cichlid sticks (Tetra).
Previously I had a 30 gal tank with only my 3 plecos so I feel (lol) a bit out of my depth here. I have had 2 of the small new fish (Auratus Cichlids) die and wonder if it may be because they tend to eat pleco food and thus antagonize the plecos. Or - possibly I am over feeding? I have made a half dozen trips to my pet store and have bought chemicals, airstones, food etc etc. I am really trying to sort this as I want everyone to be healthy. There was a "fish apocalypse" several days after I got the tank when we lost power for 2 days and all of the fish that came with the tank (except one pleco and the slightly larger Cichlid) died. Since then I have been doing all I possibly can as I feel terrible about the loss.
A few days ago my water was tested and deemed to be just fine. But today March 19th) the 2nd Auratus died so not sure what the issue is. Am about to clean the filter again (1st time 2 weeks ago it was nasty!), and regularly remove pleco poo. The 1st one died on March the 9th (or so) and I still do not know what - but this prompted a trip to the pet store.
Essentially I would welcome any advice on feeding (how much should I feed them & how often & am I not feeding them the right stuff) , cleaning (should I take out fake plants etc every few days to remove most pleco poo?) , and whatever else I can do to get this right. BTW the Tetra sticks were what came with the tank and fish and are obviously too large for all but the one larger Cichlid so I only put in a 3 a day.
BTW I have recently bought Seachem Matrix and Fluval Quick Clear Pads and will use both when filter is cleaned. Other media is Fluval rings in top 2 compartments (one of which I will put Matrix) and foam plus a thin pad (probably fluval ammonia?). Will discard those pads and replace with quick clear.
For chemicals I have Nutrafin Cycle & AquaPlus, API PH Up, Seachem Prime & Stability. Used the Nutrafin stuff for years in old tank and the other stuff was bought recently in an effect to improve water .
Hi Janet, I have to be honest I couldnt read this long comment. I have tons of comments to reply to. But if you're new to the hobby this is the best place to start - ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er.html
On your game- Glad I stumbled on your video
Im glad as well! 😊💪
Beautiful tank abd video😃👍
Thanks bro! 😊
Hi, great info overall, did majority of the mistakes earlier mentioned and every cichlid ended dying
Now, I got a 50gallon tank can I add peacocks now and if yes how many to add?
Kevin, I bought the 55 Sunsun Wave maker and the FS-230 Freesea, they are working great in my 55 gallon tank. I have spent over a thousand dollars on fish and most of them died. After watching your video I definitely am buying a QT. I also will change stores since the place I have been using never recommends fish or how to handle them into a new tank. I have found another store here I will try this week. Thanks
Awesome, glad I could help!
I love your videos and we are looking to make our tank with African cichlids. Where do you get your fish? Do you have favorite breeders?
Thats awesome, welcome to the African Cichlid world lol I've gotten most of my fish from coastalcichlids.com And you can use my code Kaveman10 for a 10% discount.
Hey bro hope you are well. I am starting to add some AC into my 120g tank and this video is extremely helpful. Although I have had fish for most of my life, mainly South America cichlids, this is the first time with AC. wish me luck! 😊😊 Take care of yourself and thanks a lot for the great content as always. Ciao for now my friend
Glad I could help! You'll love the African Cichlids as well! Hers a playlist with more info on them - ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8MG9hyJ8PjbC33zEbcyy8__.html
KaveMan Aquatics This is so very handy bro. I have just made an order online for 10 juveniles 😱 The playlist will definitely help and I thank you for it. Will I find something about buying fish online? All the best bro
I do have a few unboxing videos that came from online orders. The guys I use info will be in the video, enjoy! 😊
I like your videos so I just subscribed a view hours ago. Keep it going man.
Greetings from Holland.
Niels M Awesome! Thanks for subscribing!! Glad you’re enjoying the content 😊😊
I have an outbreak. My tank is 65 gallon. 3 grown african Cichlids one Jules. I stop buying because I know have 15 babies or so in my tank. The Jules is huge and I thought he would eat the babies, but he doesn't or chase them. I have lots of hiding spots and plants. It's crazy 🤪 happen in a snap
Happens like that sometimes lol
Good vid but it’s hard to take advice when you say don’t mix but you have convict cichlids and parrot fish with malawi
Don’t mix your African Cichlids. The parrots do fine with them. There’s no convict, he’s a polar blue parrot hybrid.
Man I love your channel. Just subscribed yesterday. Today I bought 6 of these amazing fish along with ghost shrimp and an algae eater. Any tips?
Thanks bro, glad to hear you're enjoying the channel! If you're new to African Cichlids I highly suggest you checkout my free webinar with some important tips on them! Register free here - event.webinarjam.com/channel/KaveMan-Aquatics
Seachem trace and salt are basically Epsom salt and baking soda. Been doing this and noticed a different in activity.
While baking soda can raise PH, neither epsom salt or baking soda have the elements and minerals in Trace and Lake salt
Great video Kev!
Thanks bro, glad you enjoyed it!
I am new to Aquarium , please help me Kaven ,
1) Which is best "Colourful " fish for 1 feet by 1 feet soft-water fish aquarium ?
2) after how many days we need to put planted fish with treated water with medicated water ?
Such an informative and stunning video! Thank you! You said 55 gallon is the minimum; so, how many would you put in a 55 gallon if yuo're going for overstocked? And how many if you're not overstocking? Thank you!
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it! Here's a great video discussing stocking levels 😊 - ua-cam.com/video/q9OoEfYBB6s/v-deo.html
@@KaveManAquatics amazing thank you! I know you said overstocked is the way, and that if you didn't want to, take like 8 fish away from your numbers. What ratio of males to females would you recommend if you were putting say 8-10 peacocks in a 55 gallon? Or would you say all males? Please and thank you!
absolutely helpful. how many fish at a time do you recommend adding at a time? did I miss that part?
With African Cichlids, 3-5 at a time is the sweet spot 😊
I have a 40 gallon with 8 mbunas and 8 African khuli loaches and theyre extremely happy....but i saved them from my neighbors 20 gallon so
Great video, thank you.
Glad you liked it!
When I add 1 fish into the tank I move all the ornaments around, which skakes up the hierarchy anyway. I also change the tank around when there are signs of aggression / dominance and that works too.
Yes thats a great way to curb aggression 👍
I agree completely in the minerals. Do you have any advice on community tank set ups. I only have a 20 gal with guppies platys and my stud the Betta. I'm planning on working on a fish room in the next month or so. Definitely going to set up some Africans. Love the obs. Are they difficult to keep? I also love American cichlids. Acara,ram,Geo ect. Hope to see more of your useful content. Thank you
Congrats on the new fish room! Africans can be challenging but not if you have all the info. You can start here - ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8MG9hyJ8PjbC33zEbcyy8__.html
I also keep Americans that you mentioned. Much easier to keep. The only advice I can give you on the 20 gal community tank is that it wont last long. It'll soon become your hospital/quarantine tank as you transition to cichlids 😁🤣
Love youre vids ! Keep up the good work
Thanks! 😊😊
Kaveman, what is the blue/white large cichlid with the red flecks in its fins? We have one, and have been unable to properly identify it. Thank you!
Love your channel. I thought about PH with African cyclids but then I hear from many lfs that most of the fish that are being bred are being bred in normal neutral city water? That the fish are raised being used to that and don't need higher PH unless you take them right out of the African rivers? Also with cyclid trace salt, how does that work? I think of the term salt and I think how salt doesn't evaporate. Will it collect in the tank turning the tank eventually to salt water and hurting the fish?
Many breeders do that because they dont keep the fish long term. They are in the business of buying and selling fish. For us, the keepers of these beautiful fish, they do best when kept in their natural parameters, no matter how they are bred. This doesnt pertain to all species but is especially important in African Cichlids because of their brackish water ancestry. Salt is added to the tank based on water change levels, not the entire volume of the tank. So salt levels will always remain consistent.
I have a free webinar training on African Cichlids, you should check it out! - event.webinarjam.com/channel/KaveMan-Aquatics
Great video I wish I would've watched this video before I got into cichlids but I'm already there. ? How many cichlids can put in a tank size off 75 or 150
About 25-30 in a 75....double that in a 150. But you will have to over filtrate. I have a free webinar training on African Cichlids, you should check it out! - event.webinarjam.com/channel/KaveMan-Aquatics
My 2 jewel cichlids had fry in my tank
Wow agression ++😮
And even after the fry were gone
They were still ultra aggressive until I move the male 😬
Great video lots of good info.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! 😊
Very informative 👍
Glad it was helpful! 😊
@@KaveManAquatics appreciate your response 🙂
Thanks for the info..
My pleasure!
You have a beautiful tank that breaks most if the rules not only do you have Mbunas with Haps and Peacocks but you one Central American cichlid plus hybrid cichlid that doesn't exist the wild. You also have cichlid that are small enough to be eaten by at least one Hap in your tank. I used to get away with breaking those rules also I bred and raised some mbunas in 75 Gal tank with some Haps as well as.
Are 2 fx6 good enough for African Cichlids in a 75 gallons?
My fish were constantly breading. I had dolphins and obs and Keni , acai, an albino red fin zebra. I ended up with some pretty cool looking fish. There were babies at any given time. Unfortunately we had a freeze a couple years ago and lost power for 9 days, lost dozens of fish. I'm ready to start my tanks back up though
wow, sorry to hear that. Glad you're not giving up though and sticking with the hobby!! 😁💪
So quick question. I’ve been doing some research and thinking of getting cichlids instead of regular tropical fish. I have a 55 gallon. I am probably not going to overstock too much but is a Fluval 407 canister enough filtration with a sponge filter as well??
The ph i feel doesn't matter unless its wild caught or f1 my fish thrive at 8.0 and at 7.4 , breeding and activity an color didn't change
And how about life span? … 😏
Do you do videos for normal freshwater fish like guppies and Mollies etc. I think your videos are great there's some videos you've done thats helped me with my water testing and canister filters ect alot keep them coming
Thanks, glad you've been enjoying the channel. Unfortunately no I dont keep mollies or guppies but I try to include a lot of general aquarium tips and advice on the channel. This weeks video will be about micro bubbles in your tank 😊
Thanks kev for the reply I can't wait for the micro bubble video this week sounds interesting when will this be added to your channel I've only started having fish for a little as a year ago and I got 54 litres, 200 litre then a sick/ quarantine 14 litre tank and that's all within a year 😀 it been quite stressful but since I've been watching your videos and learning and getting the api master test kit right for the frist time in a year nitrate one 😀 keep it up
Thats awesome, nice tanks! New videos are uploaded every Saturday morning 😊
@@KaveManAquatics thanks for ya reply thats great 👍😀
Blueberry ob is beautiful..
Thanks bro! 😊💪
Hey mate, awesome videos . Can you advice what’s the best substrate for African Cichlids and the mix ratio ? Thanks
I use caribsea fiji pink. Check this video out for more info - ua-cam.com/video/zMkeelDI6zU/v-deo.html
Do you use the lake salt AND trace together in your tanks? Or is it either or?
Great tips, great fish!
Glad you enjoyed! 😊
Hey I was wondering where you got your aquarium rocks from… I have tried a few rocks and haven’t been satisfied with them. Thanks!
These rocks are from petsmart. I have links to them in my shop - koji.to/kaveman_aquatics Search for "rock stone" from the shop
Your videos seriously need more views!
lol Thanks!
Share it bro! 😆🤙
I have Peacocks and mbunas mixed in a 500 liter. Doing great. My male socolofi is the boss (Mbuna) Wish i could upload a picture of my tank here
I do have male and female mixed, 2 times little ones from te socolofis
Hopefully it continues to work out for you. Most tanks won’t do well with that kind of mix, but every tank is different.
Much appreciated.
💪💪
My school has cichlids and I recently joined the club to care for them and I see some baby cichlids that are probably a year old now. We don't have a quaratine tank for them but I'm surprised quite a few survived becsuse there's about 10 fishes in the large tank
I’m surprised too, you must have good hiding spots because normally they would become a snack.
Does keeping cichlids in the breeder net/box stunt their growth or affect their shape in anyway? Really enjoy the content you put out, concise yet detailed. 👍🏻
That’s a great question. I’m not 100% sure, but based on general aquarium knowledge I would say yes it would def stunt their growth. The lack of swimming space, plus the added stress of being in a small box would most likely slow their growth. Don’t think it will effect their shape much but definitely slow growth. I recently just received my little guy and my grow out tank isn’t ready yet. But yea, I wouldn’t keep any fish in a breeder net for more than a day or 2.
KaveMan Aquatics thanks for the reply Kev. Keep up the great work w ur channel 👍🏻
Alvin Fong My pleasure 👍
Hi Kev, love your videos. I want to add the crushed coral to my fluval canister as you suggested, How much should I add and what part of the canister should I place it? Also should I put it in some kind of a filtered bag? I have a 60 gallon with 4 cichlids. Thanks so much👍
Hey Mark, Glad you're enjoying the videos! Without knowing which fluval canister you have its a bit harder to explain, because the direction of water flow changes depending on which canister you have. But yes the crushed coral should go in a filter bag, here's my link to amazon for the bags - amzn.to/2MsoPU8
And it should go in the last tray that water hits before exiting the canister. I'd say just fill the bag as much as the tray its going in can hold. In some cases you might need to add more directly to your substrate. (I had to) Heres a video showing exactly how I put the crushed coral in my FX6 - ua-cam.com/video/dllg-vSN-EU/v-deo.html
Hope this helps, let me know 😊
Could you substitute the Seachem lake salt with Seachem equilibrium? Also could gold trace substitute cichlid trace?🙂
What if you have already mixed haps peacocks and mubuna?
Hey Kev, thanks for your previous prompt reply/advice re Substrate . Your videos have made me get the confidence to set up my own cichlid tank and Im in the set up process. You think I can have a 50:50 mix of Silica Sand and Aragonite for my 55 gallon tank Thanks mate.
Absolutely, that will work just fine. While setting up your cichlid tank have you watched my free webinar training yet? Check it out - event.webinarjam.com/channel/KaveMan-Aquatics
I have a full grown redfin boerlyi, can I add him with 17 3" & 4" cichlids?
I like decoration, where to buy
Thanks! I found them at my local PetSmart. Try their website 😊
Is that larger OB with the pink/yellow etc an OB Red Empress? Beautiful fish!!! 🤩
Yes it is! You got it 👍
hello how many liters aquarium do you have?
When you say over filter your tank, I have a 55 gallon tank and I’m running 2 internal marineland 350s. Should I get the FX4 and only do 1 internal marineland? I saw you have the FX6 and FX4 in your 75
I had an FX6 and a 407 on my 75. Yes, you can go with an FX4 and 1 internal. But honestly, for a few bucks more just go with the FX6....you'll most likely need it in the future anyway 😁
Great content
Thank you! 😁
How often do you water change and how often do you clean your tank??
I do 80% weekly water changes - Filter cleanings about 4-6 months
Could you advise what breeds you’ve got in here please? 🙏
Thats a long response bro...I have a better idea 😁 - ua-cam.com/video/OqZ56JuQuEU/v-deo.html
amazing fantastic🔝👏🏻💯
Glad you enjoyed bro! 😊
Was that a convict in there ? Thanks for the info its helping me out alot 👍🏼
Not really a convict, more of a dwarf parrot hybrid...glad you enjoyed the video.
@@KaveManAquaticsAnd that Blood Parrot Which is a S American Cichlid so why in THAT set up ?
@@bigraymie uh oh, aquarium police 🙈 - ua-cam.com/video/7FQoNp5EO0I/v-deo.html
I really need help with this please ! I have been searching forever for an answer and I can’t get a definitive one.
Can I raise the ph in my aquarium that’s already established with convicts and some African cichlids while they are in the tank? I’m wanting to add some aragonite sand to help bring up the ph and hopefully that would keep it steady. I am also going to start a grow out tank for some peacocks and haps and maybe mbunas that’s almost ready to get going I’m just worried that if the ph is different from the store and when I add them to my tank, Will the stress of a change in ph kill them ?
Thanks, Kev your awesome btw! I really appreciate you man !
Kind regards.
Will Y
Yes you can add aragonite sand to raise the PH. As long as PH raises slowly it wont shock them. Aragonite sand will do just that, raise it slowly. If you're new to African Cichlids you should check out my free webinar! - event.webinarjam.com/channel/KaveMan-Aquatics
I use sponge filters, if I stick a bag of crushed corral behind them will it do the same as what you suggested by putting in a filter tray?
Yes it will, you could also mix the crushed coral into your current substrate...if you like that look.
Kev I have a question, I have an Auratus who changed his colors to all black, now he is changing again and has a blue stripe down the center of his body, What would cause his color to change he is an Auratus with yellow and black stripes as they should look ,but changed . What is the cause? No others in the tank have been affected. Water is good. PH perfect ,all elements in the tank are good. Food is quality. Filters are on point per your advice on the Chanel. I’m running a Fluval 407 and 207 with a sponge filter and two wave makers in a 60 gal.Your thoughts ? Oh yea Happy Birthday Marine! Nov 10 ,1775 Simper Fi !
Happy belated devil!! 💪💪 Unfortunately I have 0 experience with Auratus. Really couldnt give you any good advice on why the color changes. Sorry I couldnt help bro
As usual, standard of info top drawer. Noticed that its different quantity of salt depending on which lake. Do you go for a middle dose if you've mixed all 3 lakes?
Can’t help you there, I’ve never mixed all 3, but I would assume somewhere in the middle should work fine.
@@KaveManAquatics thanks for the quick response as usual. Scotland salutes you. 👏🏴
What do you mean by turn your tank over? That's the only part I didn't understand at the end.
How often all the water goes through the filtration is a "turn over". If your filter pushes 200G/hour and you have a 100G tank, then your filter can turn the tank over twice/ hour 😁
Is there a way to tell mbuna and peacocks apart? I mixed them without realizing I shouldn’t have … and now I want to unmix them but I can’t tell which is which
They have different body shape and mbuna are smaller than Peacocks. With time you'll be able to tell the difference easily! 😁 I have a free webinar training on African Cichlids, you should check it out! - event.webinarjam.com/channel/KaveMan-Aquatics
Hi KM, where did you get the rocks inside your aquarium? I want to get one like your for my fish tank... thanks
Huy Nguyen I got lucky and found them at my local petsmart. Grabbed the last 2 off the shelf...try their website, you might get lucky too, good luck.
It’s called “top fin stack stone”
Sir i have 2 pcs venustus can i add tangerine and autarus blue kenyie and ice blue is this compatible in one tank i try to community tank 1 pcs tiger oscar and 2 pcs venustus its ok no fighting
Very important video!
Some of these mistakes may be responsible for the death of the cichilids!
- Isabel
Very true, Thank you!
Hey quick question about quarantining cichlids. You said that you should get between 3-5 fish at a time when adding new fish. How big of a quarantine tank is required for this? Thanks!
10 gallon is fine for some young small fish during quarantine 😊
Hello bro and well done for you work and your channel!! today I watch your video, for mistakes yoy say that not mbunas with peackoks and in your aquarium we see labidochromis with aulonocara, is this a mistake you tell? Please your answer will be helpfull
I dont have any mbuna in my tank
oh, at this time I think I did have 1 Yellow lab. He was removed.
Can i use beach sand for Malawi peacock cichlids??
Sure! Just make sure you wash it thoroughly 😁
Where u get those fish from,I had the basic colors I want some like those
Check my shop under the fish tab for my suppliers - koji.to/kaveman_aquatics
Is a 36 gallon bow front enough space for 5 cichlids? I'm not planning on stuffing it too tight. Plus I have decorations that offer hiding and spaces which can be "territories" for each fish
55 gallons is the smallest recommended size for African Cichlids. You can learn more about them in my free webinar training - event.webinarjam.com/channel/KaveMan-Aquatics
Hey thanks for getting back to everyone who leaves a comment! Great content by the way. There’s a fish in your thumbnail that I’m trying to find. Right under the title. Its multi colored, has like a greenish face orange body with dark spots. Do you know the name of that fish? I didn’t see it in the video, just the thumbnail. Thanks!!
I think you may be referring to the Tetrastigma. Next week Im dropping a complete stocking list video, don't miss it!
@@KaveManAquatics I’ll definitely watch. Thanks!
Hey Kev, I was wondering do you setup both of your fx6's the same or do you have one just for biological and the other for mechanical?
Nope, Both exactly the same 😊