Hap Peacock Diet

[crazycichlid]

I have tried NLS, and have been trying extreme pellets...but never do i get results like these

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMh9wSllDC4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMh9wSllDC4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKx1MC9eNEA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKx1MC9eNEA

I keep good water conditions, but never get this many males to color up so well together.

Any suggestions?

cc

[chc]

Several things can play a part. Lighting is incredibly important, both in the amount and type, if you are going to maximize visible coloration.

Also, fish have to be fully mature to be able to express the most color. Keep in mind a large fish isn't necessarily a mature fish.

Stress levels have to be appropriate. In a mixed male tank that can be difficult to manage. Suffice it to say that most tanks aren't nearly large enough for a large group of Malawians.

Clean water is critical too. You indicate you keep "good" water, but that can mean many things to many people. Simply put, the more frequently you change water, the better for your fish.

Just stick to good food, clean water, and a healthy environment and you'll be rewarded eventually.

[dreday]

a varied diet is a key role as well. feeding pellets, flakes, and frozen or fresh treats will help the fish maintain brilliant colors. frozen or live brine shrimp as a treat makes a world of difference. and for the the mbuna types some zucchini or cucumbers are eaten voraciously.

try mixing up the diet SLOWLY and you should see some results. nls and extreme are great foods but adding other stuff helps make up for any nutrients missing in the diet.

[afrabat]

What kinds of cichlids are you keeping in that tank also how many males to females? Is there more than one tank you're trying to acheive this in? I have an all male tank with haps and peacocks; if i introduce a female to the tank the sub dom males will color like the female so they don't get harassed. I feed NLS as well and it has done wonders for me.

[crazycichlid]

thanks for the advices.

this is my list:
looking for:
Buccochromis rhoadesii
Buccochromis heterotoenia
Exochochromis anagenys

present occupants:
Aul Maleria Island
Aul. Lwanda
Placidochromis Pheno. Tanz.
Fossie
ELectric Blue Ice Berg
Lithobates
Protemelas Tanz. Liuli
Copad. Geertsi Gome
Loaches
Aulc. Ruby Red

180 tank...most have females, most are growing out...but i have kept full grown hap tanks before with only a few males colored up and others lit up. Trying to increase likelihood all are colored up this go around.

I do regular water change ( 2 weeks, ~50%), have three canisters running. No water chemistry is well maintained.

Introduction of new food is tricky at times do to occasional bad GI response and bloating so i try to limit the variety....but i guess i should do more frozen foods as you guys suggest.

thanks again
cc