Cichlid Tank Cichlid SICK !!!! and some other questions

oh.. black and white images?? no.. I got them from a book. hahah.. I wanted to show you guys the difference in the 'clamped fins'.

I think that the fish also uses the chemicals, in this case calcium and magnesium for whateva processes it is (i cant remember what it was.. redox?). Because the minerals do get depleted so I will have to replace them when I do a water change.

but I already do have coral sand and CC inside so I dont rely solely on chemcials.

Also I have read that some if not maybe most GH test kits dont really measure the amount of depleted calcium and magnesium.. eh.. something to do with the Ions.. I cant really place it.. not an arguement just an opinion.

Thanks for the link !
 
Hi, eylk!
In your case, I would just check the tank's water for pH, GH and KH using API liquid test kits. If you already have coral sand and CC inside and if pH is over 7.5, GH from 200 to 400ppm and KH is 54ppm or more; I would not use any salt or chemical to modify the amount of those ions, IMHO.
 
The problem with buffers is that you generally add the same amount on a weekly basis, and you're not testing your water. You do a partial water change and only dilute the buffer already in the tank. There is a gradual build up over time. Honestly, if you bought your fish locally there should be no problem keeping them in your tap water buffered with CC.
 
im not so sure about the diluted part as im pretty sure the fish 'uses' the chemicals. in my case, its magnesium and calcium.

so Im only replenishing what they have used up and not adding on to it.

however, I have also heard that fish that are not caught from the wild can adapt to mostly any decent water parameter as they are bred in that way. is that what you are trying to say?

thanks
 
Basically, yes. It's one less thing you need to depend on or spend money on. If your pH out of the tap is above 7.0 and you are keeping locally bred fish, you should be fine buffering with coral/ limestone, etc. My water is 8.0 out of the tap, 8.4-8.6 in the tank. I just don't see the need for it. If it makes you feel better by all means.
Any news on the sick fish?
 
I also have African Mbunas and I keep in regular water (naturally hard) with no additives. A friend keeps his in regular water with CC only. My fish aren't sick, have good color, and breed like rabbits. The so-called cichlid salt is only good if you have naturally soft water. There was a time when it mattered greatly, but due to all the US breeding going on, very few are F0 or been bred in conditions similar to the rift lakes. Most are farm bred anymore and getting poor stock is a real possibility if you don't know where they were bred. There is a high amount of in-breeding and hybridization going on as well.
 
my water is naturally soft... i think i'll stick to the cichlid salt but i might stop adding the baking soda.. believe it or not.. the baking soda might cost more in the long run for me... however, with the CC along, the KH is only 4. I want to maintain a higher PH...

right now the KH is at 8 PH at 8.0
 
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