Am I Helping or Hurting the Cichlid Keeping Hobby?

[@ShellyGagnon]

Ben, I like this stream, you're the reason I have been able to love Cichlids!! I just set up a 135-gallon South American Cichlid tank. All of the streams and information is much appreciated.

[@keithduwe2647]

Totally agree 👍

[@michaelmcclendon3220]

Before even looking at this video your keeping the hobby alive for some of us cichlid owners. Quite a few youtubers stop making african cichlid videos

[@keithduwe2647]

100% agree

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

I believe many aquarists, including myself, got into African/Malawi cichlids because of there striking behaviors and showy colors, not realizing the long list of issues and challenges they create for fish keeping. After 62 years in the hobby Cichlids are by far my favorite, but not African/Malawi for the reasons more and hobbyists are making public on social media. There are literally hundreds of peaceful, colorful and interesting Cichlid species without all the "baggage" of African/Malawi cichlids. Tanganikans, Geophagus, severums are just a few of the genera that I am so much more happy with since I made the switch. Having said that, I am glad I had Africans/Malawi cichlids but happy that I turned the page to species better suited to my fishroom. Your channel tells it like it is and helps aquarists make a more informed choice in fish selections. An important service to the community and why I follow your channel.

[@keithduwe2647]

I can’t answer for everybody, but if it wasn’t for you, Mr. Ben, my chiclets would probably be all dead

[@SevilleSteve]

Just caught the replay and thoroughly enjoyed. Happy to report my King Midas, Jaguar, Viejas, and a group of 6 Rainbow cichlids all behaving in 300G Hard to find new additions though with that mix. Any suggestions ?

[@BenOchart]

That is an interesting mix. Maybe a salvini or a cholcolate? But watch 'em close because, like with all cichlids, they can lose their minds instantly.

[@SevilleSteve]

@ I had a full grown male Salvini but the King took him out 😪 currently a, considering trying an adult Pearsei or Pantano Cichlid. have you ever had them ?

[@mikejejenich-pb5zx]

Hey 👋 ben. Watching replay at work. 🐟 🪴

[@BenOchart]

The "Replay Crew" is always very appreciated.

[@justsomeguy3467]

Honestly I love your channel,it’s a channel I like to watch and have a cup of coffee to I’ve caught one live so far,but I’m new to channel aswell,I’ve learned a lot and like the community,and any fish keepers willing to make videos and put knowledge out there is helping,keep videos coming !!!!!

[@mitymac]

without seein this yet im gonna say the way your hurting us is jealousy over your tanks 😆

[@BenOchart]

😊Thank you

[@davidadkins8805]

90 for sure. No sense in possibility losing your tetras.

[@BenOchart]

Agreed. I moved them last night