I have to express some concern at this point. I have been increasing my salinity slowly so that I can observe any problems. Right now, I have three concerns that come to mind. First, my smaller male Cuban (2-3) is showing signs of ailment. He appears to have inflamed gills and some strange color loss. I must say, though, that I have allowed his color to go for a while with not much thought given; my thoughts were that with the increased salinity, a parasite or infection would give. I do believe that this has been occurring since his purchase. I will continue to observe him and consider medication and isolation after identifying the problem (possibly parasitic?). Second, I believe that I am getting false readings from my hydrometer. The measurement I took yesterday seemed to read less than the measurement from two weeks ago (and I have added two cups of salt since then). According to measurements that are given with the salt, I should be at 1.008, not 1.004. Also, my moss ball seems to be browning. My assumption is that the salinity has reached such that the moss will no longer survive in the given conditions (1.005-1.010?). I will invest in a second hydrometer just to be safe. Third, the largest of my male Cubans (~6) is staying in hiding. I did turn over the fake stump to run him out, in order that he, at the least, is relatively easy to find for checking his health. He did not eat the spirulina or shrimp pellets. So, I tried krill; he still didnt emerge. I do also believe that he is establishing his territory. He stays near the female Cuban, which you will see in pics below. I do not believe they are courting for a brood, but I do think that they may eventually pair up. The male Cubans colors are pretty. His arent the show Cuban colors yet, but he is getting that bluish/violet sheen. I do not have a good recent picture for him. On a note for the female, her color is great. I even noticed that her throat is full and deep black. I do not believe she is ready to spawn, but, again, I do believe that she and the larger male will pair off. I will continue observation for any other signs potential ailments (possible environmental stressors or Cuban cichlid territorial stances/shyness?). Lastly, at around 1.005, the freshwater nitrifying bacteria begin to die and marine nitrifying bacteria begin to grow (N. Monks.
Brackish-Water Fishes). This is a vital time, especially if the tank is at about 1.008. I will also need to check my water parameters against my old marine test kit, freshwater kit and the LFSs kits. I want to ensure that all bases are covered!
I do not have pics of the Mayans yet; they are still just a drab brown color. Though I will post them eventually just to give an early basis for comparison. Here is the female
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is showing signs of ailment. He appears to have inflamed gills and some strange color loss. I must say, though, that I have allowed his color to go for a while with not much thought given; my thoughts were that with the increased salinity, a parasite or infection would give. I do believe that this has been occurring since his purchase. I will continue to observe him and consider medication and isolation after identifying the problem (possibly parasitic?). Second, I believe that I am getting false readings from my hydrometer. The measurement I took yesterday seemed to read less than the measurement from two weeks ago (and I have added two cups of salt since then). According to measurements that are given with the salt, I should be at 1.008, not 1.004. Also, my moss ball seems to be browning. My assumption is that the salinity has reached such that the moss will no longer survive in the given conditions (1.005-1.010?). I will invest in a second hydrometer just to be safe. Third, the largest of my male Cubans (~6”
