Keeping my African Cichlid Aquariums - There's ONE Problem!

Hi everyone! In this video I talk about my two African Cichlid tanks - I have two Waterbox 7225's, one with Lake Malawi Cichlids and one with Lake Tanganyikan Cichlids. Both of these tanks have Freshwater AI Primes for the lighting which gives them the beautiful shimmer! These tanks are beautiful but due to my living situation there's one problem I'm faced with which I discuss in this video.
Timestamps:
0:07 - About my African Cichlid Tanks
4:27 - Setting up the New Tank
5:38 - Quarantine Tank and Nitrogen Cycle
7:54 - Cleaning my Canister Filter
12:41 - Quick Update on the Guppy Pond and Plan for New Fish
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[@McSwiggle]

I love that your idea of cleaned up is moving everything to a different part of the garage

[@Kaityscichlids]

😂😂😂

[@hellosaqibsheikh]

😂😂😂

[@itsdezzire5461]

African cichlids have such a special place in my heart. Your tanks are so beautiful!!

[@Kaityscichlids]

They are seriously awesome fish! I love them :) And thank you so much!

[@amiremadian6716]

How persistent you are kaity, who do all these things alone, it is difficult to clean the tanks alone. You are working and filming, which doubles the difficulty, and your orange cichlids are very beauty color. Good luck. I am sure you will reach 100k subscribers soon.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Awww, thank you so much 😊🙏🏼 I really appreciate it! It's a lot of work but because I love what I do it makes it much easier

[@SkunkShrimp]

I always enjoy your videos and look forward to them! Hope my daughter grows up loving fish like you do! Such an inspiration for young ladies!

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's so lovely to hear! Thank you 😊

[@jinumahendran4090]

Your persistence and dedication towards your hobby are truly admirable. The African cichlids you care for are lucky to have such a devoted keeper to ensure their health and happiness. You have my utmost respect and admiration from India. I am excited to see your Lake Victoria tank setup soon!😍🥰

[@Kaityscichlids]

Awww, thank you so much 😊🙏🏼 That means a lot to me! I really appreciate it

[@chrishook6062]

Your tanganyika setup is amazing love the variety of fish ! Videos are informative and fun keep up the good work 👍

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you very very much 😊🙏

[@Troy-ov7xu]

Awesome video, made me laugh when your talking about the smell in the filter.

[@pascoerusso8615]

Well done on setting up your new quarantine tank & your cichlids are looking amazing keep up the good work Kaity 🤗🤗😊

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😁😁🙏

[@tbates860]

Your set up is Beautiful !!!!!!!!!

[@fredhajji1871]

Wow they are beautiful tanks I'm a big fan of african cichlids Keep up the good work. I'm going to start up a tank

[@mutensword602]

Can’t wait for the next update.

[@smokeypc73]

Really enjoy your videos. Been out of the hobby for ten years and after watching yourself and BFP i have just gotten a small tank to start with my 9year old son to catch some fish in our creeks. Will work my way back into bigger tanks too, just need to convince the other half we have room. Always had American cichlids. Thank you.

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's so awesome 😊 And thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, I love hearing this type of thing! I really hope your new setup goes well for you 😄🙏🏼

[@Adventure-of-your-Life]

Your aquariums are beautiful. Wow

[@martinespericueta67]

Yay, a "new" quarantine tank!!!!! Kaity, I can just image soon, that your garage will become your new "fish room" 😁 😁😁😍

[@Kaityscichlids]

Hahaha, if I keep cleaning it out, it just might end up that way 🤣

[@rhondafitzpatrick1646]

you're content is great, keep the videos coming!!!!😊

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊🙏🙏

[@noelmangion6316]

Hi Kaity your cichlids tanks are looking fabulous can’t wait to see what you get from the fish action I can see that you love this hobby I love all my cichlids tanks and my Discus tank

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊🙏🏼 It certainly is a great hobby!!

[@Gabriel-qh5yv]

I enjoyed to see your hard work in your hobby... Fish they look happy and healthy ❤

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊🙏🏼

[@killeresk]

Filter sponge cleans out well when you get it wet and then hit it at speed on the side of a sink or tub.

[@Two_Buck]

Gorgeous fish. I used to have African cichlids back in the day. I would love to have a tank like yours.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 🙏 Yes they are wonderful fish!

[@AdriansFishroom]

Your tanks are looking amazing atm !🙌🏻🙏❤️🐶🇦🇺🦘

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you AB 😊🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@lynnrobertson4657]

Hi kaity your fish are tanks are amazing thanks for sharing

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊🙏🏼

[@user-rd1bn2ii4j]

Good looking tanks and fish

[@travisrichards6181]

Another great video! :) The mini heart attack we all get when the canister filter don’t fire up immediately lol I just did it myself this morning :) Hope the auction went/goes well!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Hahaha, it's the worst!! And it happens way too often with them I swear 😅 And thank you, the auction went really well 😁

[@johnt4141]

I used to have 2 large tanks with Africans. I always had a quarantine tank on the go and I still flushed a lot of fish over the years because I was too careless and impatient. Your tanks are beautiful

[@BradGryphonn]

Love your tanks, Katy.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you Brad 😄🙏🏼

[@sushobhanmanna3950]

Your videos always put a smile on my face. love from India 😍

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's awesome to hear 😊 Thank you! 🙏🏼

[@user-kp8lb5lk6f]

You're known as the Al-geee girl in our home. Love your videos !

[@Kaityscichlids]

Hahahaha, this made me laugh 🤣 It is my privilege to be al Al-geee girl in your home

[@user-kp8lb5lk6f]

@@Kaityscichlids Glad we could give you a laugh Katy ! Looking forward to the garage tanks !

[@2010johnking]

Those tanks are effing awesome! Especially the Tanganyika tank, holy smokes!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much :D

[@soulysephiroth]

Those tanks look great. I also took an Red Sea reefer and turned it into fresh...ditched the sump though.

[@achevsyed6858]

Looks amazing Great collection and very colorful Enjoyable video Best wishes From beautiful California USA

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much :D

[@13UN-T]

Kaity you are the pro in keeping these africal chiclids, i bought mabunas and it is not easy to keep these fish.

[@norbertthoens3561]

Da hast du zwei schöne Becken, Kaity! 👍Du liebst deine Fische und sie lieben dich! 😍

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 🥰🙏

[@paulsreef27]

Great job, your fish are beautiful!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊🙏

[@charlsNG52A]

I see each of your videos more than 3 times, your beauty always distracts me. ☺☺🥰 greetings from Mexico.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Awww, thank you!!

[@PureAndShrimple]

Ive juat found your channel and it looks fun! Your tanks are incredible!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Awww, thank you!! I'm glad to have you here 🤗

[@PureAndShrimple]

@@Kaityscichlids I'm binge-watching your videos now!

[@user-lm8xe9cn8z]

Kind lady you have really gorgeous and healty tanks. Open top in my place is no go water evaporate fast. My fish also jump out too.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊🙏🙏

[@MizeryScratcher]

beautiful, i've had many tanks over the years including salt water. you are a princess thanks Kaity....ps,Missouri,USA

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you :) :)

[@Hazel-Hill]

That was so fun. We should have a "who has the worst garage" contest. My sons have a bulldozer they are rebuilding on one side, I have fish stuff, bee stuff and bags of fleeces (wool) I'm sure I'll get to some day, to spin and weave.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Hahaha, I've definitely got some bags of filter floss somewhere in there 🤣

[@toddt6730]

Dr. Tim's is great for starting a tank quick

[@Kaityscichlids]

Yes that stuff is fantastic!

[@Metallinick]

Love your videos and i make sure to watch everything you post! what do you use to colour feed your cichlids?

[@Kaityscichlids]

I use Aquamunch colour flakes 😊

[@GrossoEscobar]

I can't wait until your tanganyika aquarium matures and see the dynamics of the livestock

[@luke8643]

Love your fishtanks eventho american chiclids are better 😉, good to see another fish keeper from my home town making awsome content, look forward to the next video 🐟🐠

[@Kaityscichlids]

Hahaha, nooooo, African Cichlids are the best 🤣 Thank you heaps 😊🙏🏼

[@lepolhart3242]

Last time I cleaned my Fluval FX2 filter I didn`t put enough water in the canister so it had too much air in it and the filter wouldn`t start. Once the canister was full with water, it worked straight away. I`ve only had a canister filter for a few months and still getting used to it as I`ve never used one before.

[@franka6302]

The black substance is due to an anaerobic condition (no oxygen) takes lots of scrubbing to remove as you found out. Always great to see you again.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank goodness!! I'm glad it's not mould! Thank you heaps 😊

[@franka6302]

@@Kaityscichlids I tore down a tank with deep sand bed and the bottom of the tank had that substance. Pain to wash off. Caused by no 0xygen and hydrogen sulphide gas. Now I use a plenum with slow moving bubbler on it to create an anoxic condition(Low oxygen) it strips the oxygen molecules from the nitrates = N2

[@hookedonprjonrojas2314]

Your fish and tanks are😍❤I especially love your tanganikans. I want a set up like that but they are so expensive here in PR 🇵🇷 and not such a great selection

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊 The price difference varies so much for them! They cost almost nothing in some countries

[@robg915]

Discus will also warm up to you after time. But they are pain in the arse especially if you have high ph. Keep up the good work love your videos

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊🙏🙏

[@GenXHeart]

Layla's a cutie! Ha ha! Isn't that what garages are for? Tools and "Hmm, don't want this in the house, don't want to let it go...I'll just put this here for the next 8 months then decide!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Hahaha, yes!! They are like the room equivalent of the bottom kitchen drawer 🤣

[@FlyTyer1948]

Gorgeous fish, especially those yellows. For me, all hardscape tanks wouldn’t work, those beauties would make me reconsider if I could have kept my tanks. Well done.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you!! It's definitely a lot of maintenance but it's workable! And even if you had a big sump with plants you could cut down maintenance a lot

[@ColossalKoi]

Awesome ❤ content.. thanks 4sharing

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you for watching ❤️🙏

[@sergiomorales9264]

Beautiful tanks cutie ❤😊

[@tcosmanl9246]

crazy fish kaity ; hello!! from Turkey❤😅

[@Kaityscichlids]

Hello :D :D

[@FranknBerry05]

I actually want to get a aquarium and get some of the same fish they're so beautiful agree for freshwater the colors are amazing I'm new to this so i appreciate these videos I've learned a lot lately this was very informative as well! You're beautiful so that makes it even better 😊

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's great to hear! Thank you so much :)

[@FranknBerry05]

You're very welcome 😚

[@AndreiGrigorev-fy7ir]

so beautiful aquariums😍

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you :D

[@jay-remedy-plz]

One step closer to ASMR filter cleaning with our host Kaity 🤣 🎉

[@mifo2000]

We need more women in the world like you! Smart, passionate, educational... Beautiful.

[@GandOAdventures]

Beautiful tanks!! :) I would be afraid they would jump out! I've lost so many fish because they jumped out of the tank :( All the best!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you! They definitely do jump out without lids! I've got some netted lids I normally have on the top but I didn't have them on for this video

[@Lion-h3art]

Great job, your content makes me want to convert my community rainbowfish tank to an all male hap tank. 🤔

[@Kaityscichlids]

Hahaha, do it!!!! 😁 I fully support this decision

[@roohollahyeylaghiashrafi7095]

Very good

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you :D

[@th3wick3d3nd3]

I would love to see an archer fish tank setup. Maybe a new project? They are so cool, not only do they spit water but they'll actually leap out of the tank to take the cricket from your hand.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Yessss, I love archer fish! They are so cool!

[@th3wick3d3nd3]

@@Kaityscichlids you should go for it because you're a highly skilled aquarist. You can keep them in a community aquarium if you drop the water level as they do jump. Or build a new tank with plants above and below the water level. They really are my favourite and I've kept every kind of aquarium fish over the years.

[@Ccchris323]

Awesome content 🇺🇸💙🇸🇻

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊🙏🏼

[@frewox]

That venustus is super nice!

[@Kaityscichlids]

I love her!!

[@user-pw7eb3gp3o]

Super ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@LLK50634]

very awesome video i love african cichlids too they are the freshwater versions of saltwater fishes

[@Kaityscichlids]

They really are 😊🐠🐟🐟

[@LLK50634]

@@Kaityscichlids your welcome anytime my friend

[@evilone543]

I finally got my first African cichlids yesterday. 11 yellow labs and 3 turquoise jewels. I might have to move those jewels to their own tank later… and add more labs.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Yellow labs are beautiful!! I've got one on his own but they look so nice in a colony 😊

[@rustynail4x4]

Love your fish tank setup. I want to learn more and start up my own tank. Where is the fish auction you speak of? How can I go to one? I’m on the Sunshine Coast so not far away.

[@dalejones4186]

Tickles me. Spotlessly clean home and everything in its place until you walk out into the garage and WHAMMM. Just kidding. love your videos. Thank you.

[@Kaityscichlids]

😂😂😂 it's true though! Thank you 😊🙏🏼

[@kelvinhaynes6123]

great video

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊

[@EdgarPerez-ut8wb]

Que ermosos acuarios 🤩 !!! Que tal te funciona el canister a nivel del acuario 🤔 , saludos...

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊 and I have no idea! I didn't even realise you're meant to have the tank above the canister filter 😬

[@TheFurlock]

Thank you…

[@lucas_f_s]

Nice video 😊

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊

[@cameronfloyd2160]

You can rerun a long standing filter if the canister has been sitting you just have to have it cycling for about a week to have things settle out :)

[@Kaityscichlids]

Ohhhh, thank you! That is good to know!

[@belloamine1373]

I like it 😍😍😍😍

[@scottmchale6200]

Great idea

[@Dave_faith]

I lived in Kisumu for 5 years, so I'm familiar with Lake Victoria.

[@tommyandersson224]

Hi. I love your videos👍wouldent you like to try discus. I think you would make a top notch discus keeper😊 All the best from Tommy in sweden

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you Tommy!! I kept them a few years back and loved them! I just found it hard to cope with the unpredictability of illness with them sometimes 😭 They are beautiful fish though

[@tommyandersson224]

@@Kaityscichlids sorry about my spelling. But it is easier for you to understand this,than if i wright in swedish 😄 Im verry impressed with your aquariums i must say. And such a nice little apartment to! Thats quality life i would say😀

[@MakoyUnggoy]

Another nice video Kaity, are the auctions actually in the middle of Brisbane or the outskirts?

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊 it's closer to the middle of Brisbane but still in the more suburban area and not in the actual city

[@Simply4Aquatics]

Love the cleaning up method just throw it down the other end 😂😂😂

[@Kaityscichlids]

Simple yet effective 🤣

[@idreessahadat3002]

I love your aquariums. My brother has 3 aquariums in Trinidad and right now we have a bunch of babies. We have goldens, blues and the brown ones. They can do well in most tanks and they are like little puppies😂😂.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you!! And that's so cool!! They are definitely like little water puppies 🤣

[@idreessahadat3002]

@@Kaityscichlids Yes. When we put our hand in the water they nip our fingers. We have gold fishes, and guppies also. We also breeded siamese fighters, gouramis and swordtails. But we dont have so many now. Time and all that.

[@Kaityscichlids]

@@idreessahadat3002 ohhhh I love that 🥹 Yes if only there were more time in a day, the things I would do!

[@paklos99]

Fantastically beautiful fish and tanks. I’m just curious why your tanks don’t have lids though? Is there a beneficial good reason for it I haven’t heard of? I live near you up on the Sunshine Coast and hence I don’t want any moths, bugs airborne debris flying in them or my cats fishing my cichlids. 😁 I’ve been super excited, getting organised to set up my new upgraded 300 gallon tank for this week and your videos have been great to watch.

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's great to hear!! And thank you 😄 I do have lids on these normally, I just didn't have them on in the video! I normally have netted lids on there, I got mine from NVS Aquariums on the Sunshine Coast 😊

[@zeb3421]

like that whole setup --lounge looked very chill .My only crit is discus should have been in those beautiful tanks ☺

[@Kaityscichlids]

I did consider it!!

[@colkellahan6676]

Gday Kaity love your show, I have baby convicts and don't have the room to keep them all do you know any of the aquarium owners on the Gold Coast that would possibly do an exchange for products, just day to day running gear, plants of feed whatever ? hope thats ok to ask.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Hi there! I'm not 100% sure, it might be difficult to find somewhere because I've heard those guys breed like crazy! You could always try Arcy Aquariums or the Gold Coast Pet Store and see how you go

[@sasankaLK]

how many days can used tank water without refill in this filter ???

[@reidnorton6794]

I think I saw your garage on hoarders a while back. Haha

[@Kaityscichlids]

😬😬😬

[@user-bc7nr5xg2s]

bro put demasoni's in the lake malawi one cuz they are soo good like extremely beatiful

[@pirat_morei561]

Какая ты молодец с ума сойти❤ очень классно и крассиво

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😄

[@alan61979]

Canister filters work best when below the tank. Side by side isn't ideal. I've no doubt you'd be able to make a decent stand for that tank.

[@johnwoodall3791]

Hi Katie., When you get a chance what places did you obtain most of your Fish, Such Awesome Colours and Very Beautiful Tanks, Very well done. Also what Creeks have you visited and collected such amazing Fish . I remember when I was a Teenager we Fished Creeks. In the Samford area and caught some really awesome Fish including Rainbows. Swordtail both Rainbow and The odd Red ones and some areas around Mt Crosby where the Water Treatment factory is and pretty much caught the same plus others which I have forgotten their names but colourful fish. I have Three Tanks I am about to Reset having been Empty for Five or so years due to to much Work Activity. Pilot (CPT) for a Major Airline. Be really interested in your thoughts of what to set up as I was going to go Salt Water Marine but having seen your set ups I am leaning now towards Fresh Water Like yours. Absolutely Awesome Stuff. You should be Proud of your Chanel and your Knowledge not to mention your Aquarium set ups, Just Beautiful. Kind Regards.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much John! I almost all my African Cichlids MAD Aquariums in Brisbane, and have a few from Smiths, Aquarium Central, and Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium. As far as the creeks go, we have collected mostly from Moggill Creek. I have a couple of videos on native fish collecting on my channel that you might enjoy checking out :) Personally, I prefer the ease of freshwater, as I've found the small saltwater tanks I've kept to be a pain when it comes to doing water changes. However, I have never kept a large saltwater tank, only small ones. I think it definitely depends on what interests you more too, because if you love saltwater you might not mind the extra maintenance

[@johnwoodall3791]

@@Kaityscichlids Thankyou Kaity. I think your exactly right and Fresh Water is the way to go. The Tanks of yours are totally amazing. So I think I will go with Fresh for now but I could always make one a Marine tank later but yes definately high maintenance. The colours of the Chicids are just as nice as Marine fish anyway. Awesome Stuff and yep I will look at your Sight for further inspiration all the time. I am waiting for my Next Flight to do which is Brisbane to Perth in about 2 Hours. Hate Easter time, So busy but thems the breaks. You have a really nice Easter and will as mentioned continue to keep an eye out on your sight. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Much Aprecited. Sincerely John.

[@max.0328]

I am the king of junk,but you milady are the true empress!!! I can only feel humble.HAIL KAITY!!!😂😂😂 I'm curious about what you found at the auction.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 👸🏼👸🏼👸🏼 I always wanted to be empress of something 🤣 And the auction was a success 😁 I've got some stuff to show in next week's video!

[@Ayj517]

Akvaryum odamda 3. tankımı kurma aşamasındayım. Bu hobi de sınır yok. Hayal ve yaratıcılık işin en güzel motivasyon aracı. Öyle bir zaman geliyor ki, üretime geçiş yaparak, daha profesyonel bir aşamaya geçebiliyorsun.

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's awesome! Yes it's always possible to find space if you look hard enough lol

[@scottevans4015]

Beautiful tanks I must say! You said you feed your African Cichlids to color them up. What if I may ask are you feeding them?

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you!! I'm feeding these guys the Aquamunch colour flakes 😊

[@sheikhshakib55]

Love from Bangladesh ❤

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you!! Much love from Australia :)

[@Royjah-sp9rm]

Katy what do you feed your fish to help with the amazing color?

[@Kaityscichlids]

I am feeding them Aquamunch colour flakes 😊

[@colkellahan6676]

You need to have a no mercy clean out and use all that wonderful space in the garage, I'll help you.

[@bobtaylor7197]

❤Your channel❤

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊🙏🏼

[@TigerThaNiner]

layla is adorable

[@weneedmovies]

Time for you to do a Lake Victoria Aquarium. Think about it, it would be all 3 lakes In Africa…Please do It!!

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's what I'm thinking too!! That is the long-term plan. I just need to find the space :O

[@meganschroeder7723]

Just wondering.. would you ever get shell dwellers and either put them in their own tank, or add them to your Tangynikans community tank?

[@Kaityscichlids]

I'm considering it! I originally was not a big fan of their shells but the idea is growing on me

[@Aqua_paradise]

Love from India

[@Kaityscichlids]

😊🙏🙏

[@tbates860]

Kaity do they ever hop out of the tank ????

[@transilvania5811]

I have an African cichlid (Melanochromis johanni) that picks up sand in its mouth and keeps moving it around. Why is it doing this? Is it somehow building a nest?

[@Kaityscichlids]

Yes, normally that is what they are doing! They like to build little territories. Sometimes they will sift through the sand looking for food too :)