Monoculus and Kelberi

[Fanatic_Fish_Lunatic]

First time owning a peacock bass(about to buy some). Between Monoculus and Kelberi. Which one will grow to be larger? Similar temperament and behaviour? Similar water parameters? Are both of them fast growers? If so, how fast? Which one has better colour and pattern when they're fully grown?

 

[duanes]

Both these species come from waters in S America that tend to be on the acidic side, (5.5 to 6.5) and soft, with strong flow rates.
In high pH hard water they tend to come down with HITH as they age, especially if nitrates are allowed to rise above 5 ppm.
If you have naturally soft water with pH below 7, you could be golden,
and if you can add tannins this can help reduce the threat HITH, along with performing water changes of around 100% per week, and high flows.

 

[Fanatic_Fish_Lunatic]

Both these species come from waters in S America that tend to be on the acidic side, (5.5 to 6.5) and soft, with strong flow rates.
In high pH hard water they tend to come down with HITH as they age, especially if nitrates are allowed to rise above 5 ppm.
If you have naturally soft water with pH below 7, you could be golden,
and if you can add tannins this can help reduce the threat HITH, along with performing water changes of around 100% per week, and high flows.
View attachment 1557271
View attachment 1557272

Could I do 50% per week instead?

 

[duanes]

I thought I was being conservative, in nature these species inhabit rivers that get a 100% water change every hour.
And is why so many of these Cichla end up sporting HITH scars.
If its the time involved?,
How about two 50% water changes per week?, or a three or four smaller 30% every other day?
I consider myself to be on the lazy side, and opt for the smaller 30% to 40% water changes every other day, bucause the species I keep came from the river below.