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Post by Carl on Apr 30, 2009 10:17:18 GMT -5
When I was in LA, tanks such as the one I noted in my earlier post could be difficult as we also had very hard water, however I had little problem as I had multiple RO systems and used "blended" RO/Tap water, then I re mineralized the water. and added natural softeners to the tanks as well. Generally I found that I did not need to add all RO water, only 25% as the tank would also respond to certain maintenance procedures to keep a more "soft" aquarium. This said, I would also point out that the breeder I purchased my discus from did not even go as far as I did in using blended RO/Tap water and did fine. From my findings and research I think many worry too much about the need for soft water and in fact go over board often removing essential mineral cations that even soft water fish need for osmoregulation and redox reduction (which speaking of redox, I just got a call from a researcher in Asia that read my Redox article and noted that he has found similar results and that my article was the first he read outside of the medical community that connected a healthy redox to UV Sterilization) Carl
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Post by kagome on Apr 30, 2009 11:23:13 GMT -5
JonV It's funny that you sent me that link, I have it bookmarked already and I love to go that site and drool endlessly. That's so cool that you know Jeff Rapps, I bet his place is like Disneyland for cichlid lovers. Thank you very much for the very nice offer of help, depending on what we do I may very well take you up on that. And thank you for trying to make me feel better about getting this mixed up, I was quite embarrassed when I realized my mistake. As far as water softness goes, I am in an area where the water is perfect for SA fish right out of the tap. If anything I will have to add minerals as I do in my other tanks. Ever since the idea of discus entered the conversation my husband has latched on to that and run with it. I'm trying to have very little influence on him about stocking and decor, I want this to truly be his tank. However, he is wanting me to do the bulk of the research about discus themselves and the equipment for the tank as he has never kept them. This isn't laziness on his part, it's just that he works so much and isn't very fond of the computer in general. I think that I will start a new thread about setting up a discus tank and we can discuss things further. I want a lot of time to discuss, get opinions, and do research about this, it is going to be a very big investment of time, money and effort and so I really want to get it right.
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Post by jonv on Apr 30, 2009 11:25:48 GMT -5
Discus were and still are my favorite Fish, in fact Amazon River tanks in general. My favorite tank I maintained was one I set up with a more hands on client of mine. It was a 280 gallon aquarium with double drilled filters, a UV and many plants. We had many discus, G. rams, cardinals, festivums and more. Boy I really miss this tank. The link you posted Jon had one of my favorite SA cichlids (not as much as discus though) that I do not read or hear much about anymore; the Uaru Cichlid. I am curious as to why these guys are not that popular. Carl It might be in local markets and such Carl. Other then really commonly kept SA's, I don't really know that much about them other then to say softer acidic waters in most cases, much larger growing in sizes in many cases, almost anecdotal stuff, but I did keep an Oscar Pair Convict Pair, and a Severum over different periods of time before I went to Africans. Nothing fancy or dramatic other then I can say I've had a few. Bikeguy would probably have the best lead I could think of to answer your point Carl. That stock listing, is for Jeff Rapps, a local guy to me. He doesn't carry much at all in Africans, just a few but I could coordinate something with him if people wanted to order from him.
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Post by jonv on Apr 30, 2009 11:29:56 GMT -5
Anytime Kagome because you know, seriously, I say give yourself some credit. That you remembered a stock listing like that, even if it wasn't his tank, if I were your husband, I wouldn't laugh as much as be impressed and see how much you're actually being supportive in this case. Then I'd get worried that if you could remember that far back and that much, if I made a mistake, when are we going to revisit that LOL.
Really no problem at all. Jeff doesn't let people go to his facility, though EastCoastCichlids.org made a trip out to his place last weekend, if I call Jeff, he usually answers. Just let me know, I told Bikeguy and Murdock the same thing, if you see stuff on there, I don't mind trying to get it for you. I'll vouch for Jeff, he knows his stuff, if you buy from him, you won't get weak stock nor anything misslabelled. I'm inclinded to believe now, I have some mislabbled fish off an Auction I need Barb or Brenda to confirm. With Jeff, I promise, you don't have to worry about that.
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Post by bikeguy33 on Apr 30, 2009 17:10:53 GMT -5
Carl....the Uara cichlid isnt very common in the trade because they are seldom imported. all i have dealt with breed easy and have nice mellow dispositions. i think it is an ideal fish for many community tanks and i don`t understand why they are seldom imported. if i could find a nice specimen....i`d be happy to show one off in my tank...
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Post by Carl on Apr 30, 2009 18:38:05 GMT -5
Carl....the Uara cichlid isnt very common in the trade because they are seldom imported. all i have dealt with breed easy and have nice mellow dispositions. i think it is an ideal fish for many community tanks and i don`t understand why they are seldom imported. if i could find a nice specimen....i`d be happy to show one off in my tank... this is exactly why I am confused as I think these are neat fish that do quite well with so many others in the correct size aquarium for them. Carl
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Post by bikeguy33 on Apr 30, 2009 18:57:16 GMT -5
ahhha....did a lil research.....they are considered a food fish. most importers would see this as trying to sell you a cow as a lap pet....thus not big on the import scale. but this does explain the easy breeding and mellow disposition. obviously alot like my tilapia on the fish farm....just smaller...
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Post by Carl on May 1, 2009 9:53:02 GMT -5
ahhha....did a lil research.....they are considered a food fish. most importers would see this as trying to sell you a cow as a lap pet....thus not big on the import scale. but this does explain the easy breeding and mellow disposition. obviously alot like my tilapia on the fish farm....just smaller... Thanks Bill, good info. Too bad though as they make great pet fish IMO, plus they are nice looking. Carl
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