RE: some problems

["Jones, ErickX M" <erickx.m.jones@intel.com>]

Andrey

Helen said
>You mention that the Labeo attacks the Rams, this being the case I
>personally would remove any fish in any of my tanks that attacked any other
>fishes.
and Andrey said 
>a Labeo of approximately the same size even attacks them...

I would disagree. Instead of removing fish that are aggressive you need to
balance the level of aggression in the tank. Unfortunately Labeo sp., in
general, get to aggressive for the majority of Dwarf cichlids to deal with.
I would recommend moving your rams to a tank of their own. If you desire a
Cichlid in this tank I recommend some of the mid sized central American
species. Such as firemouths, convicts, black belts, robertsonii, salvini, or
any of the geophagus group. These cichlids are all robust enough to hold
their own without being outright murderers on their own against a Labeo sp. 

Andrey said
>I've thought about water changing, but I fear that this can cause some
>deterioration of anything?  And I suppose also that  everyday or so gradual
change is better
>than weekly. Am I right?
also 
>In all books it is recommended that fishes from the North of South America
should be kept in "old" water.

Not really. what you are experiencing right now is a downward spiral of
water quality. I know there are people who preach against water changes, and
for a "balanced" or "natural" system they basically separate into two groups
(in my honest opinion)
1.) Lazy, Water changes are too much work and this is a feel good cop-out.
2.) Greedy, "Oh but to do a natural system you need to Purchase my "$pecial
filter" unit$$$$."
If you haven't been doing any water changes I would recommend comparing the
pH of your tank and the pH of your water supply. If the two are far apart
then small gradual changes until they are close is recommended. After that
then a regular schedule of 30-60% changes can be implemented. Do the water
changes your fish will love them and reward you with brighter colors, longer
lives, and faster growth. Not to mention they all may start spawning on you.
I am not certain which books that you are reading. The only books that I am
aware of that make such recommendations are older and mostly made because
with aging water was the best way (at the time) to de-chlorinate and acidify
water. Also they were written before the ability to manipulate and
understanding of water chemistry reached the point it has. Most current
books that I am aware of recommend water changes. Of course an RO or a
de-ionizing unit can be very beneficial. If you are concerned about algae
growth remember algae blooms are caused by several factors. To include
duration and strength of illumination, and nutrients. If your plants are
growing well and you don't have an algae problem than the only way a water
change would change that is if your water source is rich in phosphorus. This
can be eliminated with the use of an Reverse osmosis or de-ionizing unit. so
first get to know your water supply, call your supplier and ask some basic
questions such as what was the last hardness test what is the average pH
what chemicals are you adding. Be aware that this is subject to change. This
information will help guide you to what kind of tools you will need to
adjust your water to the needed values. Also many stores will be happy, for
a fee, to check your water for you, if you take a sample to them. A simple
phone call can locate one who can run the checks for you. Don't forget to
have a copper test done. Good Luck

Erick Jones

"It's an Opinion, What kind I not at liberty to discuss, But It is an
opinion."





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