Africans in East TX

[sailfin2]

I may be moving out towards Tyler, and there pH is lower than Dallas. Seems to be in the range of about 6.8-7.2.
Anyone have experience raising Africans in lower pH? I was thinking of lots of Holey Rock, and maybe a crushed coral substrate, but I hate the idea of constantly adding a buffer for water changes.
My Angels will love it, but I hate losing all my Hongi, Peacocks, etc... just after got hooked on the Africans.
Anyone like out that way with Africans? I can't even find any fish stores in the area, other than Petsmart/Petland.... and they didn't know anything about the pH issues.

Will also be selling alot of fish, etc soon... as I don't want to move with all these fish.

[Rock-Sales]

Holey Rock is the way to go. I can hook you up with some very nice pieces or, if you just need pieces for PH balance, I can sell you some "cull" rock that can be stacked nicely for cheap.

Just let me know if there is anything you need.

GB
www.BaconsRock.om (http://www.BaconsRock.om)
214-402-8978

[PiMpPiStOl]

you forgot the c in . com

[cichlidkeeper]

you'll want cc sand or aragonite sand and cc in the filter. lots of holey rock and you can add baking soda, but hr and cc should do it.

[Rock-Sales]

You are correct. I need my C in .Com
www.BaconsRock.com (http://www.BaconsRock.com)

Thanks for the heads up.

[sailfin2]

Do you think just adding alot of holey rock and the crushed coral will be enough to keep up the pH? I went the route of adjusting pH with the angels when I first got them... after killing alot of angels due to pH bounce, I gave up and figured they would have to just get used to higher pH.

[bra8ndy8]

yes it will be fine.

[kewlkatdady]

most tank raised fish are acclimated to a much lower ph than their natural habitat...

you should be fine.

[masroberts9]

i agree, they can definitely be okay at a lower pH, but they will be more active at a higher pH. I think the holey rock and crushed coral will work fine. and actually those pH levels aren't that bad at all.

[Holey_Rock_of_Texas]

i have found that african cichlids are extremely hardy as i never check any of my water paramaters and never have problems. knock on wood. i think you will be okay but i do also use holey rock in my african tanks.

[biggin]

You don't say....:hehe:

i do also use holey rock in my african tanks.

[brownsnoutuk]

Ive heard Holey rock does not alter the pH at all. Its just a decoration for the tank. Crushed Coral with its larger surface area might make a difference, but with regular waterchanges you probably wont notice a difference in the pH.

[Sollo]

We used Eco Complete Cichlid sand and it has aragonite which made the ph perfect!

[cichlid-dave]

Using Argonite sand and holey rock(thanks bacon!!) my ph is always about 7.5 and I have had Tanganykans breed in my tank.

[EVoL]

Yes I'm with everyone else if adding buffer drives you crazy but if you need too I have seen a DIY home cichlid buffer recipe somewhere if you want it PM me and I will go looking for it.

[Phonetic Diabetic]

I keep cichlids, and don't test nor do I buffer my pH. Only things I now test are nitrates, and the occasional ammonia and nitrite. My fish are all happy.

[PiMpPiStOl]

this title could be misleading

[Phonetic Diabetic]

this title could be misleading


:hehe: I thought the same thing, but then I looked at my sig.

[kSpieler]

I use this DIY buffer ...

per 10 gallons of new water, add:

1 Tablespoon of Baking Soda
1 Tablespoon of Saltwater Mix
1 teaspoon of Epson Salt

Mix the dry ingredients together then dissolve in about a cup of dechlorinated water then add to new water.