Im Now A Cichlid Owner :) Pics!

[Flute]

I'm really sorry about you loosing the big JD

Have you used mature filter media to start the tank cycling? Because if you didn't then it could mean that it more than likely hasn't cycled over a period of 2 weeks. Daily water changes for a little while would probably be best to help your smaller Jack Dempsey.

 

[shell30984]

Hi,
Yes i used 2 old filters from a previous tank and put them in without cleaning them to much, and also had the plec in there.

I'll do water changes and see how we go, Fingers crossed xxxx

 

[Joshwainwright]

Good luck! (again...)

 

[DazzaClio]

Thats a big shame as they look very nice and he didnt last long, i would defo consider an external filter though.

As said do a few water changes etc.

Good Luck.

Thanks Darren.

 

[shell30984]

Hi Guys,

I have another Male now! He looks the same as the female, but slightly bigger.
They tested my water and said that it wasnt perfect, but couldnt see how that would of killed him!
They offered me a replacement - which i thought would be the best - as the female looked stressed on her own. They seem ok together for now.

Do you think i should et him settle and do a water change tomorrow, or just do one today?

cheers
xxxxx

 

[ChilliPepper]

Oh gosh, sorry to hear you've lost one of the JD's! That's awful. They are normally pretty hardy fish.

I'd definitely recommend getting an external filter. Something like an Eheim 2217+ (get the plus as it has the taps!) would be great on there. I have one on my 190L and it's a good filter. Or the Fluval 405 which has already been mentioned. Personally I'd go for the Eheim as you get more 'bang for your buck' and maintenance is incredibly easy.

So, did you freshly cycle your tank..... Or did you use mature media on the new tank, then kept it going with the plec? What kind of plec, a common?

 

[Verminator89]

Sorry to hear you lost your Jack, he looked a brute. I'm a big fan of Jacks, so i'm glad to see another Jack owner on here


As for filtration its been mentioned before but get the best one you can afford. The bigger the better. I have an FX5 running on my 280L, its a bit of a whirlwind in places, but with clever placement the flow can be slowed somewhat. Always over-filter and under stock, with regular water changes things shouldnt be a problem in a cycled tank.

Keep tabs on your system for the next week or two. Doing a 10% W/C every day wouldnt hurt and will benefit keeping the tank stable for your two Jacks. I have to raise my eyebrows at them giving you another Jack so soon, it it were me i would see if there could have been some arrangement for them to hold atleast 1 male Jack for you for 2 weeks while your tank settles. IF there is something wrong with your tank adding a new fish immediatetly could just repeat what you've experienced with the deceased Jack.

I hope you don't have any more issues and your current two Jacks prosper Keep the updates coming!

James

 

[elisew]

Sorry that you lost one

 

[shell30984]

Yeah i also thought that they were a bit keen to replace it so soon, But they are a really good aquatic shop, so took their advice. But the female looks so much healthier/happier for putting him in.
I've managed to take out the puffer, and replace him with Large congo tetras. Bit of a swap around with my tanks - but best i could come up with, as i was slightly concerned as to whether the puffer is poisonous??

The shop thought it could of been the Plec (common) that killed it - apparently sucked it to death? didnt no they could do that?

So far so good though?
I am getting another tank at the weekend - so the Jacks will eventually be on there own with the plec.

 

[bullit]

The plec didnt suck it too death, no. Im also surprised you replaced it so soon without knowing what had happened to the last one. They even said your water wasnt great and they give you another one. Instead of buying more fish and tanks id get a proper test kit and take it from there. Not having a test kit and then getting 9 inch fishes is asking for trouble. Hopefully lessen learnt. Sorry if i sound harsh.

 

[shell30984]

No they said it wasnt perfect - but it wasnt bad enough to cause any concerns.
The reason i got it, is from their advice, as ive only been keeping fish for 4years, so i dont no everything yet. It takes me 1 hour to get to this shop, so i dont really want to be going up and down the country collecting fish etc.

 

[Joshwainwright]

It's great news that the shop replaced the fish so quickly and hassle free.

I sure hope this male is going to be okay!
Have you got any photos of him yet?

 

[Rynofasho]

I kind of agree with the other poster in that you should really get to the bottom of this before you throw more fish at the tank. Get yourself a good liquid test kit and make sure your ammonia levels aren't high. I would imagine they are if all you had in there was one Plec and then you added about 16" of fish. Either that or lack of O2 from inadequate surface agitation which I doubt because you have HOB filters, so I would be surprised if you didnt have high levels of ammonia.

 

[shell30984]

All Levels are fine, they were tested!!!!
Fish are doing well, no problems at all now.

 

[Joshwainwright]

Great news, I hope it stays this way.