Frequently, when reading about Keyhole Cichlids, I come across recommendations to be careful not to startle the fish when doing water changes or other types of tank maintenance. Does anyone know exactly what these authors mean when this recommendation is made? I mean in order to vacuum gravel you have to stick the siphon tub in the tank and disturb gravel (and fish). Is there a careful way to do this? What general precautions can one take to avoid stressing fish while performing maintenance? Sorry if I sound grumpy, I should not really ask questions when I am tired.
Cleaning Keyhole cichlid tanks
- Thread starter tuvok
- Start date
Just clean the tank as you would any other tank. I've kept Keyholes and they're not any more skittish than the majority of fish out there. Just use common sense and don't thrash around the inside of the tank or make very sudden, quick movements. You're fish will be fine.
I've got 4 keyholes now (2 adult, 2 juvenile) They do manage to hide in the smallest places and act like I'm trying to kill them when I'm cleaning, but they chill out eventually.
They're the kings of cool compared to my silver dollars who smash their faces into the gravel and each other at cleaning time
They're the kings of cool compared to my silver dollars who smash their faces into the gravel and each other at cleaning time
Think of it as a reason to keep up on water changes. The more often you do it, the more it will become routine for them.