The Doctor
11-13-2002, 12:30 PM
I'd like to start by introducing myself; my name is David and I live in Portland, OR. A little over two weeks ago I inherited my first set up from a roomate that had to move out in a hurry. It's a 29 Gal. tank, and came with a cosmopolatin mix of Cichlids. Thanks to this board and some other sites I was able to identify them as a 4" female Jewel, 4" male Bumble Bee and a 6" male Jack Dempsey. The setup had been severely neglected for the past year, the water had only been changed once in that period of time, the filter pads never changed, and sometimes the fish would go several days without being fed. I am amazed that the fish survived this abuse, but they seem very little the worse for the wear. My first step was cleaning the algea that covered the tank walls, then I bought a test kit. The ammonia level was zero, as was the nitrite. The nitrate level was high, but after a 25% water change it has come down. I am planning a 20% weekly change schedule that should help me get the nitrate under control. I just added a 3" common plecostomus and he wasn't harassed at all. The tank also has a Java Fern that needed a good cut back. I guess what really surprises me the most is that I read that all three of the Cichlid species can be pretty aggressive, but the tank is in perfect harmony. I actually think the female Jewel has a crush on the Jack Dempsey, and the Jack doesn't seem to mind. Anyway, this forum has been a great resource and I'd like to thank you all. These fish have found a good home.