and so want to try something different (ie: cuckoo catfish).
There are two species that are known to cuckoo spawn.
formerly called multipuntatus
Until a short time ago (2006) generally considered the same species.
So basically, I just want to know how the water parameters differ? Cat-elog page states 25-26degC, with good water quality and stuff, but what about water hardness? I know they occur naturally with c*****ds, but I haven't kept a single c*****d in my life (not intending to do so either), but i've heard that they prefer hard water (compared to soft and acidic like south american). And what's up with "calciferous rocks" - what are they and do i need to buy them?
The PH of the water in Lake Tanganyika averages around 8.4, often around PC jokingly called liquid cement.
The water is fairly hard with a dH from 7-11
The lake is quite stable and Tanganyikan fish can be less tolerant of changes in their water than many other fish.
I keep mine in a PH of 7.8 without a problem, I used to raise the PH for them but they seem fine in my water.
Depending on your own water parameters you could just add sodium bicarbonate or throw in a bag of crushed coral in your filter and there are also additives available from your LFS specifically geared towards Tanganyikan fish.
If you do have these fish you may just want to try breeding after keeping for awhile so you may end up with cichlids eventually which is not such a bad thing...really. Mind you there have also been sporadic reports of these fish scattering eggs, I can not remember details at the moment but probably with no available hostfish present.
Finally, will a 4ft x 1.5ft by 2ft be sufficient to house a group of say 5 of them?
Is it a 4' x 2' footprint or a 4' x 18" footprint, the height is not as important as bottom area...having said that the tank should be fine particularly with caves or piles of stones to dash into when they feel threatened.
Birger
