If I were to pick who I was to take advice from, 100% of the time it would be Daveedka, Happy Chem and RTR, as opposed to the person who is debating them. Hope that helps.
That said...what is your ph? You can do more harm by trying to change it and having it unstable instead of keeping it the same. Fish can adjust, and if you're not trying to breed them they may well do fine in what you have. Do fish stores in your area carry cichlids and what are their water parameters?
BTW..that is a very handsome dog in your avatar!!