African cichlid fish keepers are no strangers to the aggression and territorial behaviour of these fish. An experienced cichlid keeper knows how to set up a tank that minimizes aggression among African cichlids. However, some cichlids can still be unmanageable despite all efforts and methods taken to prevent aggression.
In such cases, the only option left is to transfer the aggressive cichlid to a spare tank. This spare tank is the last resort in cichlid fishkeeping to manage an aggressive fish. If one fish is being overly aggressive towards another fish or a particular fish in the community tank, it is necessary to isolate the problematic fish in the spare tank for a few days.
Isolating the aggressive fish in the spare tank can help calm them fish down to some extent. This approach can prevent the aggressive fish from injuring or killing other fish in the community tank. Ultimately, separating the aggressive fish from the community tank can create a safer and more harmonious environment for all the fish in the tank.
One of the most crucial cases in setting up a spare tank for African cichlids is introducing the first batch of fish into the main display tank. This is because a healthy nitrogen cycle needs to be established in the tank, and beneficial bacteria need to colonize the tank to break down the biowaste produced by the fish. These beneficial bacteria help prevent a nitrogen spike in the tank, which can be harmful to the fish.
The most troublesome fish in the tank is likely to be the most dominant and colourful fish, which will become the centrepiece of the tank. If this fish needs to be moved to a newly set up spare tank, there is a risk that the nitrogen cycle may not have been completed in the spare tank. The plan is to keep the fish in the spare tank for a minimum of one to two weeks, but if the tank is not colonized with aerobic bacteria, an ammonia spike may occur at any time, which can be extremely dangerous for the fish.
To avoid this scenario, it is essential to ensure that the spare tank is well-prepared ahead of time, ideally set up a month or two before introducing any fish. This allows sufficient time for the beneficial bacteria to colonize the tank. Additionally, a filtration unit, such as a sponge filter or a spare canister filter, should already be running and maintaining a similar temperature to the display tank setup.
By taking these measures, the spare tank can be a safe and healthy environment for the fish, providing a backup plan to prevent aggressive behaviour or manage sick or injured fish. Properly setting up a spare tank is critical for the health and well-being of African cichlids and should not be overlooked by any serious cichlid keeper.
As cichlid hobbyists, we can attempt to transfer a bully fish from our display tank to the spare tank two or three times and reintroduce the fish to the main tank after isolating it for a few days. However, if all efforts fail to resolve the aggression of a particular fish, our only option is to sell it to another aquarium hobbyist.
The primary objective of African cichlid fishkeeping is not to keep a single attractive, colourful fish alone in a tank, but rather to establish a peaceful community tank with numerous average colourful fish. In this way, the beauty of the tank comes from the harmony and balance of the fish community. Aggressive behaviour can disrupt this balance and pose a risk to the health and well-being of the other fish in the tank.
Therefore, it is essential to take all necessary steps to minimize aggression, including proper tank setup, regular maintenance, and selective breeding. By doing so, we can create a thriving community of African cichlids and enjoy the beauty and diversity of these fascinating fish.
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