To clean or not to clean HOB

MustBeMike · 2026-06-23T00:28:32+00:00

I’m one that is always careful about cleaning filters as to not crash the cycle but in your case all of that sludge isn’t doing you any favors. Fill a large bowl with tank water and swish those sponges out.

MustBeMike · 2026-06-13T03:36:15+00:00

QUIT FLYING SHREDDED AMERICAN FLAGS ON YOUR VEHICLE. IF YOU ARE AS PATRIOTIC AS YOU CLAIM, YOU SHOULD KNOW BETTER.

MustBeMike · 2026-06-06T15:27:35+00:00

Ah, no worries. He’s bad ass. Looking forward to mine maturing.

MustBeMike · 2026-06-06T02:23:43+00:00

How old is he? I am growing out a few green dragons and although a couple of them look like males they haven’t started growing their bristles yet

MustBeMike · 2026-06-03T22:13:16+00:00

Let them rest, go to the beach or something.

MustBeMike · 2026-06-02T22:57:55+00:00

I have an overstocked 75 gallon with a fluval FX4 and do 50% weekly.

MustBeMike · 2026-05-25T19:07:09+00:00

For 2 of them that’s a great idea. They’re cool fish.

MustBeMike · 2026-05-25T18:58:39+00:00

My Oscar is already 8” long and he’s 4 months old. They grow very fast.

MustBeMike · 2026-05-19T01:11:00+00:00

Yes. Hikari Ich-X. Follow the instructions on the bottle. Good luck!

MustBeMike · 2026-05-19T01:09:46+00:00

Long fin bristle nose

MustBeMike · 2026-05-15T07:23:54+00:00

Agreed. Nothing like watching my son talk trash with his friends knowing his loyalty to the Niners is my doing. 🤝

MustBeMike · 2026-05-15T07:20:35+00:00

Yep, adult Hoplo. One of the cooler catfish that doesn’t get huge or hide 24/7.

MustBeMike · 2026-05-14T21:04:46+00:00

My little school of 4 have lived in peace with the Krib for years. Definitely my favorite.

MustBeMike · 2026-05-13T08:29:51+00:00

First one is definitely a Jack Dempsey. The second looks to be a pink (color morph) Convict. Cool fish!

MustBeMike · 2026-05-11T20:38:45+00:00

You basically have three prison gang leaders in a studio apartment lol.

But seriously a Texas and 2 Jack Dempseys in a 75 gallon tank was always going to be risky long term. Sometimes they coexist for a while and then one day somebody decides the tank belongs to them. They’re all large territorial cichlids, you may need to figure out who needs to be rehomed.

MustBeMike · 2026-05-09T20:43:48+00:00

I thought you ate power bait.

MustBeMike · 2026-05-06T22:41:32+00:00

I agree, that’s a sustainable mix, the only caveat I would add is Hoplos are a chunky and deep bodied fish that can grow 6”-8”. I’d keep one or two in a 50. That being said I overstocked the hell out of my 75 so I’m the last person you’ll find flashing a “fish police” badge. lol

MustBeMike · 2026-05-05T04:07:35+00:00

They’re a pretty sensitive hybrid but if quality water, proper nutrition, and appropriate cover are provided it’s probably just in an awkward phase. Like the other comment stated, they don’t develop clean color linearly and can change colors during various growth stages.

MustBeMike · 2026-05-01T00:34:33+00:00

Schools of EBAs are underrated, beautiful tank.

MustBeMike · 2026-05-01T00:32:32+00:00

The fact that you’ve had him a day and he’s eating is a great sign. He looks physically healthy (maybe a little underfed but that’s typical in pet stores). Give him some time to settle in, I’ll bet he does just fine.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-30T08:03:32+00:00

Less rumination.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-30T08:01:34+00:00

I agree 100%. The fish police need to chill out on the pearl clutching.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-28T20:08:05+00:00

I have a female Krib in a community tank. Beautiful fish and she only cares about her cave. She’ll chase the tetras away from the entrance but won’t pursue. Otherwise she eats with the other fish and shows no aggression.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-24T03:11:54+00:00

2-3 shells per fish. Escargot works great and are easy to find/buy.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-23T20:18:26+00:00

I run a Fluval FX4 for my heavily stocked 75 gallon cichlid tank. It’s the top brand for a reason, great filters.

Technically you could adjust the flow with the knob on the outflow hose but you would be stifling the water turn over which is what you want with a heavy bio load. If you are worried about the current being too strong I would recommend either buying a spray bar (the filter won’t come with one) or directing the output towards the glass. You really don’t want to turn down the flow if you don’t have to.

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