Lots of pics past and present

[Gourami Swami]

Sorry to hear about your melanura, that's really unfortunate. I worked in a couple different LFS's for years when I was younger, one of which was great and kept the fish in excellent conditions, the other one not so much. Sometimes, what it comes down to is that the LFS just doesn't have the proper space to house large cichlids. Some are better than others, but all in all, the fate of American cichlids in LFS's and in the hands of 90% of their keepers (who aren't necessarily hobbyists, and don't get educated) can be pretty grim.

 

[cichlidfish]

Sorry to hear about your melanura, that's really unfortunate. I worked in a couple different LFS's for years when I was younger, one of which was great and kept the fish in excellent conditions, the other one not so much. Sometimes, what it comes down to is that the LFS just doesn't have the proper space to house large cichlids. Some are better than others, but all in all, the fate of American cichlids in LFS's and in the hands of 90% of their keepers (who aren't necessarily hobbyists, and don't get educated) can be pretty grim.

It is sad. I especially hate it when friends or family ask me why their fish are dieing so quickly. They buy fish for their kids, have no clue or care about taking care of them. So they ask me for my advice, but never follow through with proper care. They tell me I'm wrong and it's ok just to buy a tank and throw fish in it. But really they are just lazy. Fish are dieing and the poor kids never get their pet fish.

 

[Hendre]

It is sad. I especially hate it when friends or family ask me why their fish are dieing so quickly. They buy fish for their kids, have no clue or care about taking care of them. So they ask me for my advice, but never follow through with proper care. They tell me I'm wrong and it's ok just to buy a tank and throw fish in it. But really they are just lazy. Fish are dieing and the poor kids never get their pet fish.

That's why I took charge of my own hobby

 

[Stanzzzz7]

A few pics if my lents.
I have set up a tank just for them with a few wild swordtails.

 

[dan518]

About time we had a update, there starting to look really good. Hows the melanura?

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Thanks Dan.
The melanura made a full recovery and turned into a beautiful fish.
My dad lost his prized amphilophus hogaboomeron so he had it off me.
I also gave all my thorichthys away to a mate of mine.
I don't have any cichlids at all in my 7x2x2, it's now a temporary home for a 3 year old reticulated ray, hujeta gar and 24 spotted silver dollars.
Upgrade planned within the next 12 months to 8x 2.5 tank.

 

[dan518]

Thanks Dan.
The melanura made a full recovery and turned into a beautiful fish.
My dad lost his prized amphilophus hogaboomeron so he had it off me.
I also gave all my thorichthys away to a mate of mine.
I don't have any cichlids at all in my 7x2x2, it's now a temporary home for a 3 year old reticulated ray, hujeta gar and 24 spotted silver dollars.
Upgrade planned within the next 12 months to 8x 2.5 tank.

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Not much of a change round then, are you keeping the same stock for the planned upgrade?

 

[cichlidfish]

Very nice Darren.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Yes Dan,The ray is staying.I was planning a tank upgrade anyway due to scratches on the 7x2.
I have basically kept nothing but cichlids for the last 30 years so felt it was time to try something new.
I must admit I have totally fell for the ray and can't wait to get her in a bigger tank.
Having said that I will always have cichlids in another tank.I can't live without them completely.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Very nice Darren.

Thanks Steve,
I must admit I will miss my thorichthys. I will have to look at your threads to remind me what I'm missing.