Two quick questions...?

Question

Why does my Hillstream Loach prefer to just sit in one small area for hours at a time?

AND

What is the correct environment for Electric Yellow Cichlids?

they are not in the same tank...i dont even have Electric Yellow Cichlids yet

the Hillstream Loach is in a tank with two goldfish...and I'm not sure how to set up a current

Answer 1

Electric Yellow cichlids enjoy a typical Malawi bio-tope with a nice balance between rocks and open space. Temperatures are best at about 76°, the PH is ideal at about 8.2, and the GH at about 5. These are not 'set in stone' numbers, but an average of what their wild environment is like. I wouldn't keep them in a PH of less then 7.5 or so though. For tankmates it's best to keep to other similarly mild Malawi's, like Peacocks, small Haps like Fryeri, or the milder types of mbuna like Rusty's and Acei. In the wild they are grouping fish and quite social, and you'll see the most activity and natural behavior out of these guys if they're kept like this. They are eaters of crustaceans and insects, but will also gaze algae - an omnivorous diet is best, with no worms, which is very hard for them to digest.

Hillstream loaches will often spend time sitting still - it might help to have driftwood in many places throughout the tank and cooler water then typical tropicals. Also, they need plenty of oxygen, so lots of water and surface movement will help too.

These two fish come from extremely opposite environments, I hope these are two separate tanks.

*edit: Set up the current by increasing filtration or adding powerheads. I especially like canister filters, that way you can point the spray bar to shoot water from one end to the other, rather then the hanging filters which only pour it straight down. Powerheads can be placed stratigicly to provide what you need.

Remember, the Labs need a 36" long tank at least. Lake malawi actually only has a GH of up to 100, it is lake Tanganyika that is super hard with levels as high as 400.

Answer 2

Are they both in the same tank? If so, that may be part of the problem. The temperature required for the cichlids is too high for the loach. Also HS loaches must have a current to keep them active. They also prefer the company of their own species.

Below are links to profiles of each.

Answer 3

Hillstreams need current as inferred by the name. Malawi Cichlids need Hard water-425 ppm---pH around 8.3------ kH should be high enough to keep the pH stable. Temp mid to high 70'sF -------- very clean water,the high pH makes ammonia and Nitrites more toxic. If you don't have water like that use Coral sand or crushed coral.Good luck.-----PeeTee