Convict Cichlids are so called due to the pattern of black bars adorning thier blue-grey bodies. Females will often have bright red, pink, or orange coloration on their bellies, particularly when she is spawning. As quite an aggressive cichlid, Convicts are best kept with cichlids of larger size or equal temperament. While they will uproot most plants and enjoy digging and moving things around in their home, suitable decoration includes rockwork, driftwood, plants, and any other areas that will provide shelter and hiding space. Convicts are very easy to breed and pairs form quite easily. They may breed numerous times throughout the year, leaving you with a plethora of young fish. Feed Convicts a variety of meaty foods, as well as vegetable matter, like lettuce. A hearty flake or pellet is fine as a staple diet.
Filed under Freshwater Fish by on Sep 1st, 2010. Comment. 
The construction of this koi pond features a 150 gallon upper pond that feeds a stream that waterfalls into a 1400 gallon lower pond that is 3 feet deep. In the building of this koi pond we used a Tetra PUV2500 to filter the pond against algae using untraviolet light (uv) and to biologically filter the fish waste. The design of this system utilizes a bottom drain and an under water pond return (TPR) to give a nice ripple effect as the filtered water re-enters the pond. There are 2 planting shelves and a “no rock” bottom. The upper pond can be used to harvest water hyacinth and water lettuce for the main pond. It’s also a nice area for incubating fry in the event that the koi in the main pond spawn. For more pond designs, visit our free pond design center right from your home or office at www.ColumbiaWaterGardens.com. We have distribution points nationwide so shipping is usually free and fast nationwide. Give us a call to troubleshoot your pond or for advice on setting up one of your very own. You’ll be glad you did.
Filed under Ponds & Water Gardens by on Jul 15th, 2010. 2 Comments.
Tropheus are a unique-looking Tanganyikan, with a rounded head and stout little bodies. T. moori come in over 40 different color variations. They darken and lighten according to their mood. Tropheus moori “Ilanga” has a black head, fins and tail, with bright yellow-orange sides. Tropheus are aggressive with each other. To keep them successfully, it is recommended you keep at least 10+ in one tank to disperse aggression. They require a lot of territorial space with rocks and other definite boundaries. These fish are almost completely herbivorous and nibble algae off of rocks in the wild. Feed them a veggie cichlid flake as well as spirulina. They also benefit from daily feedings of romaine lettuce or spinach. Stay away from soft foods such as brine shrimp or worms. Mysis or cyclopeeze are the only meaty foods recommended, and very sparingly.These fish are mouth brooders and females protect the fry and eggs in her mouth. If kept correctly, Tropheus are wonderful fish with fun personalities.
Filed under Freshwater Fish by on Dec 8th, 2009. Comment.
Tropheus are a unique-looking Tanganyikan, with a rounded head and stout little bodies. T. moori come in over 40 different color variations. They darken and lighten according to their mood. Tropheus sp. “Lupota Blood Throat” has a black body with red highlights on the flanks and a red patch at the throat. Tropheus are aggressive with each other. To keep them successfully, it is recommended you keep at least 10+ in one tank to disperse aggression. They require a lot of territorial space with rocks and other definite boundaries. These fish are almost completely herbivorous and nibble algae off of rocks in the wild. Feed them a veggie cichlid flake as well as spirulina. They also benefit from daily feedings of romaine lettuce or spinach. Stay away from soft foods such as brine shrimp or worms. Mysis or cyclopeeze are the only meaty foods recommended, and very sparingly. These fish are mouth brooders and females protect the fry and eggs in her mouth. If kept correctly, Tropheus are wonderful fish with fun personalities.
Filed under Freshwater Fish by on Dec 1st, 2009. Comment.
Tropheus are a unique-looking Tanganyikan, with a rounded head and stout little bodies. T. moori come in over 40 different color variations. They darken and lighten according to their mood. Tropheus moori “Moliro” has a black and red-orange body with bright red accents in the fins and on the caudal peduncle. Tropheus are aggressive with each other. To keep them successfully, it is recommended you keep at least 10+ in one tank to disperse aggression. They require a lot of territorial space with rocks and other definite boundaries. These fish are almost completely herbivorous and nibble algae off of rocks in the wild. Feed them a veggie cichlid flake as well as spirulina. They also benefit from daily feedings of romaine lettuce or spinach. Stay away from soft foods such as brine shrimp or worms. Mysis or cyclopeeze are the only meaty foods recommended, and very sparingly. These fish are mouth brooders and females protect the fry and eggs in her mouth. If kept correctly, Tropheus are wonderful fish with fun personalities.
Filed under Freshwater Fish by on Nov 1st, 2009. Comment.
