MissMTS

Well, my Africans have been starting to get nastier as they've gotten older, and I have seen some serious aggression with them. I have switched around my stocking a bunch of times and have not been sucessful finding a relatively peaceful arrangement for them. It was the last straw, when last week, my red shoulder peacock was seriously injured.

On top of this, my husband and I have been having extreme financial difficulties. I have offered to sell some of my tanks, but he won't let me do that (its frustrating because he wants be to be happy, but I'm just trying to help, lol). Instead, I decided to sell my Africans on craigslist since they have been giving me so much trouble. I had some nice fish in that tank that were pretty good size, so I was able to make us enough money to pay one of our bills, which was deffinetly helpful. I had a few that I was unable to sell, so I took them to our LFS for credit.

Since my husband didn't want me to sell the tank, and I didn't want to have it empty and have to cycle it again (plus its on my dresser and we have nowhere to store it, so having it sitting there empty would be lame), I decided to get a few fish to put in it. I decided on a Central American themed tank, since I haven't done one yet. My LFS had some juvenile Nicaraguense Cichlids in stock, so I used the credit to get four of them. I am hoping to get a pair out of them and be able to observe their breeding behavior. I am also thinking of adding some livebearers and pictus cats to the tank when I get the money.

Tonight my project is to aquascape the tank, and then transfer my four Nics into the tank. For the time being they are being held in a rubbermaid tub with a filter because I didn't want to aquascape the tank after I put them in because I figured it would stress them out.

For those of you who aren't familiar with these cichlids, heres a link with some nice pics:
http://www.cichlidforum.com/profiles/species.php?id=68

My fish are still small (3-4 inches), but hopefully in time they'll color up nicely. I'll try to post some pics as soon as I get some

Sorry I haven't been on much guys, but for the time being, the only way I can get online is at work, so my Fishlore time is limited. I will try to drop by as much as I can though to keep up with the happenings with my Fishlore friends

pinkfloydpuffer

Sorry you're having so many problems Kate dear Don't worry about not being on too much.

Regal

I'm sorry your having troubles. Many people are going through the same thing right now. (Here too)

I just wanted to share my sad tale with you to encourage you to listen to your hubby and not do anything drastic like selling your tank. I did that and I was miserable. We were broke and I panicked. My husband told me not to do it. I listed my 75 gallon Amazon tank on ebay and sold it with all the fish and live plants. It was the exact same set up that I have in the 75 gallon I have now. I still remember the specific angelfish that were in the tank. I whined about it for like 2 years until he bought me a new one for Christmas. It's not like selling a piece of furniture or something, it's like a piece of artwork we create.
The cichlids in your link are gorgeous!

bolivianbaby

I'm so sorry you're having problems. Hang in there, it's always darkest before the dawn.

That is a beautiful cichlid in the link.

gmen4life

yeah id keep it also times are tough for some.......

Lucy

You know we're here for you Kate.

I really like the fish, very pretty. They remind me of GBR's
Hmmm, they like hard water and a pH range of 7.4 - 8.4. Is that a coincidence that I have hard water and my pH is 7.6?
Maybe not. lol

Shawnie

aww kate we will always have shoulders for you to lean on if needed!!!!!!

I know its sad giving up your babies, but you are a loving mom and knows whats best for them...im glad you were able to help offset some bills also...

on an up note, the fun of doing a new tank must be something to smile about....its like a christmas surprise knowing you can change everything around and restock ...love those new babies also..beautiful! goodluck in your new en devour and big hugs!

MissMTS

Thanks for the support everyone The nice thing about keeping fish is that I can go into my little fishie world for a while to get away from it all Nope I'm not crazy, lol

The tank looks really nice, so I'll have to get some pics for you guys. There are no signs of pairing yet, but it may take a while. I took my red wag platies out of my tub pond and added them into the tank as well. They add a nice little splash of color. The nics are very bland right now, but I can't wait until they color up

Lucy, they would do great in new water..... and maybe in that new tank you're planning... hint hint