Im Now A Cichlid Owner :) Pics!

[ChilliPepper]

I really, really doubt the Plec would have anything to do with the Jack, least of all his death. I have a large Bristlenose who never interferes with any of the fish, including my female JD.

I would have thought a Common Plec would have produced enough waste to keep a cycled tank cycled. Very strange.

I'd advise getting a good external filter, doing weekly water changes of 50%, and getting a liquid test kit to test regularly.

Hope they do well!

 

[bullit]

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

You still want to invest in a decent test kit. So you can keep on top off it and can always check it when you need too.

 

[Sussex Cichlid]

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

I couldn't agree more. 100% top advice.

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.

They are NOT a really good aquatic shop, with statements like that.