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Hi all,
I have 2 yellow labs and what appear to be 2 rusty mbunas in a 37 gallon tank, I know a bit on the small side! But I saw some rift lake salt from Seachem in LFS, being a seachem lover. I thought is this necessary for the well being of my fish?. The salt had 2 dosing levels, one for Malawi, which I believe is where these fish originated.
Thoughts? Benefits? Problems?
Regards,
Clip

Hey Clip,

Rift Lake Salt (or almost any buffer formula by various manufacturers) can be made DIY. The important thing to note is that the main purpose of this salt is to help adjust the pH of your water (in this case, buffers it to a higher pH). Usually I wouldn't use or reccomend using a chemical buffer as there are far better and natural ways to buffer your water (adding crushed coral, aragonite, limestone, other calcerous rocks, etc).

If your pH is in fact too low for your cichlids, using plain baking soda would work on it's own (though you'd have to tinker for the ratio and adjust the pH slowly and continue doing so almost weekly).

If you were thinking about using an additive for your fish to improve their health and coloration, try Zoe by Kent Marine as a food soak (either the fresh or salt water variation is fine for mbunas, just make sure it's the green clearish liquid).

I always found my African cichlids had more colour when I used Rift Lake Salts. I used one made by Kent but unfortunately it is no longer available here in Aus.

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Before you criticize someone walk a mile in their shoes. That way you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

I think using a buffer is overated. I've done it both ways and have found no difference in appearance or behavior as I have several Mbuna tanks. When you first add a buffer fish will become very active but once stability of the PH is maintained there is no difference, IMO. The more important thing is keeping stable,clean waer.

By all means marry; if you get a good wife, you'll be happy. If you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher.
Socrates-
I happen to have become a philosopher

There is no need for it. The main thing you want is stability in your water. As long as your water is not very soft you should be fine. If you need or would like to use something to keep the PH up I suggest using some crushed coral in your filter or filling the tank with some Texas holey rock.


chris

Well thanks! Come to think of it I haven't tested my hardness and it just so happens I have a kit in my box o' goodies. Chris1017, that's a good idea, crushed coral in the filter. Never thought of it, but then again never really had Cichlids before. Nice to see a fellow Marylander too!

I have used the crushed coral as a substrate and did not like it but in the filter it will help to buffer the water. I am just not one for adding chemicals if I don't have to.

Where at in MD are you, I am in the Balimore/Dundalk area

chris

Unfortunately I'm now a transplant to the Miami, Fl area, I use to work out on Sparrow's Point, grew up on the Eastern Shore though. So Baltimore/Dundalk area,I'm sure I can safely say GO RAVENS!

Chemicals have never really worked for me either, I try to stay with fish compatable with the local water parameters to avoid any "funny business" with chemicals and their sales hype.

Sorry to hear, a lot of people are still hurting here. Good luck and yes, GO RAVENS!!!


By the way, here is a shot at my fist cichlid tank about 5 years ago. Notice my labs,and the plants are java fern and anubius.



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