Central American Cichlids • EBJD Grow-out tank *pic*

[Koteckn]

Well, this tank took me forever to finish because I wasn't sure what my plan was for my up-and-coming 75gal. This all changed when I walked into my LFS and they had 2 baby EBJDs. The tank was finished at home, minus the rocks and plants, so I decided that was what I would do with my large tank. It has been cycling with the two filters, including established filter media, for 3 weeks prior to placing my new fish in.

For my 26 gal bow, I am using:
AC50 - pre-filter, mech sponge, activated carbon, fluval clearmax, and filter floss
Biowheel200 - pre-filter, activated carbon, biomax, mech sponge, and filter floss
temp - 79
ph - 7.8 and lowering (goal is 7.0-7.4)
ammonia - 0ppm
nitrite - 0ppm
nitrate - 5ppm
I've put a lot of work into this, giving these juveniles the best chance to survive their fragile beginnings.

Tell me what you think, or if I should change some things around. I know this tank is wayyy too small for mature EBJDs, which is why this is a temporary grow-out tank for them.




Thanks for your constructive criticism in advance ,

Howie

[bbortko]

I wouldn't alter the ph, its better to keep it stable plus 7.8 is ideal for centrals.

[Koteckn]

Oh ok. I just thought that dempseys like low 7's for ph.

Any other input?

Howie

[gutted]

i have no experience with EBJDs (but i definitely want one) but id recommend some more places for them to hide just because theyre juvies and might be a little skittish. your setup looks great id just add a few more driftwood pieces or rocks and youd be set.

i agree with bbortko, you dont need to worry about messing around with PH. mot fish will be able to adapt as long as you acclimate them properly. stability is key.

[mattmean]

I actually wouldn't ad Decor. JD's and EBJD's can be shy, giving them MORE places to hid will not make them social and a fish that hangs out in front of the glass. Hiding spots are for protect and avoidance. I think you're fine as is. A lot of it is aesthetics mainly, but most Single wet pets do not have an excess amount of decor. Your PH don't worry, just test your tap water monthly to make sure. keep a log and make sure it doesn't vary much.

gl

[Koteckn]

Thanks for the advice.

I look forward to hearing more if anyone decides to chime in.

Howie

[jd lover]

depend how quick you want the fish to grow you can go the route discus keeper uses

[Koteckn]

Which is what jd lover? I am blind when it comes to raising discus...

[jd lover]

Discus breeders buff their fish up fast by feeding high protein food and lots of clean water. I've experience similar result with a variety of fish as well.

[Koteckn]

well right now, I would guess that they're around 1". I have been doing 30% water changes weekly and feeding them flake food in small amounts 3-4 times daily. Is this sufficient for fast growth or should I change some things around?

[Koteckn]

If I am doing something wrong/if there is a better method I should be using, please let me know. I would like to get them to the 3" mark as soon as possible so I don't have to worry as much about them dying from being brittle.

Thanks in advance,

Howie

[jd lover]

Feed flakes or pellets as close to 50% protein as possible. Do as much and as often as possible water change.

[Koteckn]

So what you're saying is if I can do, lets say 25% water changes twice a week, that would be better?
I always get nervous of doing too many water changes and ruining my beneficial bacteria...

[Koteckn]

also, my little EBJD's are doing well and are about 1" in length now. They are very active and swim around the entire tank. I was wondering if I would be able to add some type of small dither fish in with them for now to create more activity in the tank. I'm thinking of something small that wont create much more on the boi-load. As the dempseys grow, im not too worried about the dither's survival. Some type of small tetra per se?

Let me know what you all think...

Howie

[CinBos]

That would piece in the middle, is that something you bought from a pecto or petsmart? I think I have the same one for by Ball Python. Are you able to use it in the water?