240 vieja tank progression

[midasman714]

Obtained a couple very nice, thick manzanitas branches last night:



Eventually the Malaysian will be removed, but for now it will provide nice cover for the little fellas. Speaking of which, they are being shipped today! I may have to "work from home" half day on Friday to get them situated.

Was concerned about SD because they actually have sharp teeth! And yes, never knew they are such hogs.

 

[cjdesmit]

I'd second keeping an eye on the SD's during feeding time. All the SD's I have had have been absolute gluttons and could easily out compete smaller cichlids for food.

How many of each species did you order? What is your vision for a final stock?

I'd personally add sand as well as a mix of larger river rock/cobble in order to create a more authentic substrate, especially if you are modeling after one of Lee's aquascapes. And, if you do add sand, I'd raise your intakes another inch or two.

 

[astrocreep]

tank looks good dude

 

[astrocreep]

what fish will be in there? I didnt catch that part

haha, nevermind, found it

 

[midasman714]

I'd second keeping an eye on the SD's during feeding time. All the SD's I have had have been absolute gluttons and could easily out compete smaller cichlids for food.

How many of each species did you order? What is your vision for a final stock?

I'd personally add sand as well as a mix of larger river rock/cobble in order to create a more authentic substrate, especially if you are modeling after one of Lee's aquascapes. And, if you do add sand, I'd raise your intakes another inch or two.

• 1 x Heterospilus
  
• 4 x Synspilum Belize
  
• 3 x Bifasciatus Rio Chacamax
• 1 x Argentea
• 2 x Citrinellum Lake Arenal

I plan on keeping an all male tank. I'm hoping growing them out together will reduce future aggression but you never know. I'd like to keep them all to adulthood but do realize the likelihood of rehoming a few if things get out of hand.

I will add pool filter sand from my old 125 and gather more river rocks like you said.

 

[midasman714]

Fish came earlier today all healthy and acclimated very well, viejas fairing better than citrinellus. As a matter of fact the viejas started eating already.

I didn't expect much of the Heterospilus but it looks really nice! Bifas also looking really good.

Dan from cota did a great job in this transaction. I will be buying from him again.

Well Packaged:




Floated for 10 minutes:



First shot in tank:



I'll get nicer DSLR shots and post it was later.

 

[midasman714]

Here's clearer shots. Already coloring up. They like to swim in bunches:




And a video:

 

[Randys]

Where did you buy your Clear-for-Life tank bud?
I bought a 90 gallon but it was only clear for 9 months!
LOL

 

[cjdesmit]

Looking good. Hopefully you get lucky and end up with males, especially considering you only got some singles.

Hets are a great species. They tend to be much more mild tempered than the other "vieja" species. That could work against you in this particular instance. I've also heard they are slow growers. Either way, an underrated fish that I'd love to keep. If I was to order online, it would definitely be through COTA. I've only heard good things about them.

 

[midasman714]

Thanks! The hets and argentea were last second impulse buys which is why I only purchased one, but wished I purchased more of the hets.

I don't plan on updating daily but I will in this case since they've slowed down a bit so I could snap individual shots. I've got all species but the argentea. He, like the midas', are quite shy. The bifas, syns and het are a fun bunch; they basically are schooling fish at this stage.

OK, here's some spotlight shots:

Bifa - one of the smaller one. Pic doesn't do these guys justice, already beautiful at such a small size.



Syn - nothing to hoot and holla about so far but hoping for nice color once they mature. Supposedly from 'big head' line so we'll see:



Het - this guy is a stud:



Midas 1 - still very shy. Looks like a creamsicle:



Midas 2 - even shyer than the other. Looks like this one will be a bit patchy as well: