RiftZoneAquatics Gallery & Info

Tank repairs?

2007-04-04T14:57:00.000-07:00

RiftZoneAquatics Aquarium Repair.

Vancouver & lower mainland BC $30.00 per hour,
need glass, aquarium safe silicone? I have everything
to get the job done right! Please Call 604 671 4927
for more info.

Background link

2007-04-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

http://www.riftzoneaquatics.com/catalogue.php?cat_id=32

NOW AVAILABLE

2007-04-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

Updated Stock List

2007-04-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

TANGANYIKA
(WC) Enantiopus Melanogenys "burundi"
(WC) Callochromis macrops "ndole"
(WC) Tanganicodus irsacae "burundi"
(WC) Eretmodus cyanostictus "makombe"
(F1) Tropheus moorii "chipimbi" 2
(F1) Gnathochromis permaxillaris Tanzania
(F1) Callochromis macrops "ndole"
(F2) Cyprichromis leptosoma jumbo "kitumba"
(F2) Cyathopharynx foai Copper "Karilani"
(TR) Cyphotilapia frontosa "burundi"
(TR) Tropheus moorii "maswa"
(TR) Neolamprologus leleupi
(TR) Neolamprologus brevis ''Katabe'' sun spot

MALAWI
(F1) Champsochromis caeruleus
(F1) Buccochromis nototaenia
(F1) Stigmatochromis pholidophorus
(F1) Fossorochromis rostratus
(F1 )Protomelas spilonotus "liuli"
(F1) Aulonocara maylandia sulphur crest "luwala reef"
(F1) Pseudotropheus polit "lions cove"
(F2)Stigmatochromis pholidophorus
(F2)copadichromis mloto (virginalis) fireline "gome"
(F2) Lethrinops lethrinus
(F2) Cynotilapia afra orange back "cobwe"
(F2) copadichromis mloto "chisumulu"
(F2) Aulonocara stuartgranti neon blue "undu"
(F2) Aulonocara jacobfreibergi red shoulder
(F2) Aulonocara korneliae "chisumulu"
(TR) Aulonocara "otter point"
(TR) Aulonocara "Mamalela"
(TR)Sciaenochromis fryeri *Iceberg*
(TR) Labidochromis caeruleus *true* yellow lab
(TR)copadichromis azeurus (VAF)
(TR3) Protomelas taeniolatus red empress "namalenge"
(TR) Tyrannochromis nigriventer
(TR) Aristochromis christyi

It's been a while since..........

2007-04-03T17:29:00.000-07:00

Well I've been very busy lately with all the new fish, it's been a while since I posted anything new here. I will be updating the blog soon. Keep a look out!
Thank you.
C.Calderwood

Stigmatochromis pholodophorus male, I have fry 1.5-2" available. Rare fish...get em while you have a chance!!

Current List Of Stock & Breeders.

2006-09-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

BREEDERS:
WC Tanganicodus irsacae "Burundi"
WC Aulonocara maylandi sulphur crest "Luwala reef"
WC Altolamprologus compressiceps "Kasanga"
F1/G1 Aulonocara korneliae blue gold "Chisumulu"
F1/G1 Aulonocara stuartgranti blue neon "Undu reef"
F1/G1 Copadichromis mloto "Chisumulu"
F1/G1 Copadichromis mloto fireline "Gome"
F1/G1 Aulonocranus dewindti "Burundi"
F1/G1 Protomelas sp. Steveni taiwan "Taiwan reef"
F2/G2 Lethrinops lethrinus
F2/G2 Protomelas taeniolatus red empress

UP & COMING BREEDERS:
F1/G1 Mylochromis laterastriga
F1/G1 Champsochromis caeruleus
F1/G1 Protomelas spilonotus "Liuli"
TR Placidochromis phenochilus

TANK RAISED BREEDERS:
TR Copadichromis azeurus
TR Sciaenochromis ahli Iceberg

AVAILABLE FRY & JUVIES:
TR Lethrinops lethrinus
TR Protomelas taeniolatus red empress
TR Sciaenochromis ahli Iceberg
TR Labidochromis caeruleus
TR Aulonocara maylandi sulphur crest
F2/G2 Aulonocara sp. red shoulder

F2/G2 Maylandia aurora
F2/G2 Pseudotropheus long pelvic zebra
F2/G2 Cynotilapia afra "Cobwe"
F2/G2 Aulonocara korneliae blue gold "Chisumulu"

UP & COMING FRY:
F1/G1 Aulonocara maylandi sulphur crest "Luwala reef"
F2/G2 Aulonocara korneliae blue gold "Chisumulu"
F2/G2 Copadichromis mloto fireline "Gome"
TR Copadichromis azeurus
TR Lethrinops lethrinus

Please see: http://www.riftzoneaquatics.com for complete list & prices.

Customer feedback

2006-09-13T20:46:00.000-07:00

Rift Zone Aquatics is a reliable source for great quality African Cichlids. We breed & sell only the best quality available. When placing an order with us we guarantee all specimens arrive alive & healthy, we also strive to make placing your order as hassle free as possible. DOA's will be replaced on your next order /or 100% cash refund. Here's what some of my customers had to say.

www.timelessspirit.com "I personally use Clayton's services at Rift Zone Aquatics. His fish are excellent quality, I've never seen such gorgeous fish! He's also amazingly talented at getting some of the more 'hard to find' species I set my mind on which pleases me greatly!"

Aleesha

sunsearchin@hotmail.com "Clayton, I was impressed with the quality of fish that ya sent me. It was a smooth transaction from the get go, and I never got the impression that I that I might not receive my fish. I have made alot of orders, both domestic and internationally that have been stressful. You treated me as a valued customer, and I appreciate that! The fish are doing awesome. I will be back for more breeding groups. Any mailing list available?"

TTYL, Marcus

More feedback available @ http://www.riftzoneaquatics.com/forum/thread.php?threadid=56 Those of you who are not members will have to join the forum. See you soon...

Deciphering fish terminology?

2006-09-11T14:34:00.000-07:00

Describing African Cichlids in generation terms.

Canada

WC - Wild caught
G1 - First generation from Wild caught
G2 - Second generation from Wild caught

USA

FO - Wild caught
F1 - First generation from Wild caught
F2 - Second generation from Wild caught

Anything after the described would be classified as Tank raised. TR

The steps for treating bloat successfully

2006-09-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

I am going to go over the basics for treating fish that are not eating...Weather the fish / fishes are bloated or not. I am going to discuss two methods. The first treatment is a 100% natural & the second is using meds. Typically I have great results using the 100% natural method, but some cases are stubborn & meds must be used. NOTE: At the first sign of fish/fishes not eating they should be removed asap, quarantined & treatment started. The first sign is the best time...to start treatment!
--------------------------------------------------
100% NATURAL TREATMENT FOR BLOAT
--------------------------------------------------
1) Epsom salts. (100%.....No other additives)
2) Large water changes over a period of about 1 week.

Step one: First things first..... Set up a quarantine aquarium using 50% of the water from the tank the sick fish came from & 50% newly treated water from your tap / water source.
Step two: Remove the sick fish / fishes and transfer them into the quarantine aquarium for treatment.
Step three: Add 2 - 3 tablespoons of Epsom salts per 5 gallons of tank water. You will be adding Epsom salts according to the full gallonage of aquarium. (If you have a 135g, treat all 135 gallons) 54 - 81 tablespoons of Epsom salts for a 135 gallon.
Step four: Do not feed the fish at anytime during the Epsoms salt treatment, you will have to wait until the complete treatment is finished. I do mean...NO FOOD!
Step five: Water changes will take place every second day for six days & will be as follows.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day one: Do a 50% water change & add Epsom salts to replacement water.
Day two: -
Day three: Do a 50% water change & add Epsom salts to replacement water.
Day four: -
Day five: Do a 50% water change & add Epsom salts to replacement water.
Day six: -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step six: The fish should be wanting food at this point, feed small amounts until you work back to regular feedings. (Epsom salts will be used throughout full treatment & all replacement water) NOTE: My fish are used to 50% water changes, I do 50% approx. Every 5 - 6 days. If you only do approx. 30-40% then I would do the same throughout the treatment or you may shock your fish & possibly lose fish/fishes.
--------------------------------------------------------
TREATMENT USING MEDICATION FOR BLOAT
--------------------------------------------------------
1) "CLOUT"
The treatment with meds is the same as the natural treatment but you are now adding a medication called CLOUT, if you can not find "CLOUT" look for a med. That has Metro as a main ingredient. This treatment is to be done the exact same way as the Natural method but you will use the Meds only if the Natural treatment fails. I have had great success using my method of natural treatment & have saved many fish from the clenches of death! Bloat can be kept out of your aquarium by following a strict water change schedule with weekly changes of up to 50%. Correct stocking numbers & feeding is another factor that cannot be over looked. I highly recommend feeding a food called New Life Spectrum. Great food with great results! Best of luck & enjoy your Africans!

2006-09-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

Aulonocara sp "Undu reef"

Copadichromis sp. azeurus

Specializing in Exotic African Cichlids

2006-09-06T23:06:00.000-07:00

Aulonocara sp. "Undu reef"

2006-09-06T23:00:00.000-07:00

2006-09-06T22:55:00.000-07:00

Aulonocranus dewindti "Burundi"

Tanganicodus irsacae "Burundi"

Protomelas sp. "Taiwan reef"

Placidochromis electra / aka Deep water hap

Protomelas sp. "Taiwan reef"

Aulnocara sp. "Undu reef"

2006-09-05T19:43:00.000-07:00

Aulonocara sp. "Undu reef"

2006-09-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

Protomelas "Taiwan reef"

Wild caught Tanganicodus irsacae "burundi"

"Be aware small fry" Stigmatochromis pholodophorus

2006-09-01T22:55:00.000-07:00

Eretmodus cyanostictus "makombe"

2006-08-30T22:40:00.000-07:00

Protomelas spilonotus "liuli"

Pseudotropheus long pelvic zebra

2006-08-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

Placidochromis phenochilus

Copadichromis mloto "chisumulu"

Copadichromis mloto "fireline"

Placidochromis electra "deep water hap"

2006-08-16T17:21:00.000-07:00

Protomelas spilonotus "liuli"

2006-08-16T17:01:00.000-07:00

"
Copadichromis mloto "Chisumulu"

Stimatochromis sp. pholodophorus

Tanganicodus irsacae "Burundi"

Protomelas sp. "Taiwan reef"

Past & Present African Cichlid aquariums

2006-08-14T18:01:00.000-07:00

240g Malawi mixed

130g Mixed Malawi Mbuna

135g Tanganika Comps, Calvus, Frontosa "Bismark"

135g Tanganyika Frontosa "Burundi"

135g Tanganyika Goby, Featherfin "Burundi"

180g Malawi mixed Haps.

130g Malawi mixed Mbuna

Wild caught Aulonocara maylandia sulphur crest "luwala reef"

2006-08-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

Considering an African Cichlid aquarium?

2006-08-10T15:07:00.000-07:00

Setting up an African cichlid aquarium is very easily done, but can seem overwhelming and costly for the new hobbyist. Proper fish care requires a tank, a filter, a heater, lighting, a canopy (so fish don't jump out), a stand, substrate, proper water chemistry, and of course, fish. My experience has taught me that there are several economic alternatives to buying all of the items from your local fish store that will not only save you money, but help to ensure you are buying quality products and specimens. The objective of this blog is to share those tips with other enthusiasts and beginners in the hobby. African cichlids are beautiful, amazing fish that will give you years of enjoyment, and keeping them is easy with proper knowhow, and can be relatively inexpensive.

Why keep African Cichlids? As the years passed my experience has guided me down a path of wanting only to keep pure & true species of these magnificent fish. Think about it for just a moment, African Cichlids are still being discovered as you read this & will continue to be discovered for many years to come. Of these three main lakes in Africa (lake Malawi, lake Tanganyika, & lake Victoria) hundreds of different fish are now available on the market today &
most are relatively easy to obtain. If you get bored of keeping the same fish for too long, you have several hundreds to choose from. They are a maternal mouth brooder, the mother will hold the eggs in her mouth for up to 25 days give or take a few days. They are very interesting to watch during their mating rituals & the males are typically looking their best!

What I have experienced with a few local fish stores in & around the greater Vancouver area:

1) Many local fish stores (lfs) sell a large variety of fish & staff rarely know the needs of all the fish they stock.
2) Many lfs will sell cross bred African Cichlids & other fishes.
3) Many lfs will sell hybrid/man made fish strains or cosmetic/hormone enhanced fishes.
4) Many lfs will sell sick or unhealthy fishes knowingly.
5) Many lfs have fish that are living with parasites.
6) Many lfs will sell you fish for a hefty fee & once its time to return the babies they don't want them, or they will low ball you by offering you 1 fish for 5 to 10 of your fish you brought in.
7) Many Africans that lfs keep are low quality, malnourished or suffer from other health factors caused by generations of inbreeding, or from living in poor water conditions (ie. Dirty water).
8) Many lfs do not have quarantine tanks for new shipments or "trade in fish" that come into
the store. If a single tank gets infected the store will have to treat all of the fish in the central system, the fish that are not sick are being forced to take the medication which could have its negative effect at a later date. (ie. Weaker immune system/medications may not work as well if at all if the fish happens to "truly" become sick)
9) Many lfs feed the cheaper brands of food to cut down cost & save money.
10) Many lfs do not maintain the quality of water that most fishes should be living in.
11) Many lfs keep tanks highly overstocked which is not healthy for the fish, some have aquariums that are not suitable in volume for the number of fish per tank.
12) Many lfs will sell you certain chemicals/additives that are not needed "ever"

Im sure I could come up with many more reasons not to purchase fish from most lfs/fs but I will stop here. I am not trying to give all fish stores a bad name, but I disagree with the way some tend to conduct their buisness. "Some of the lfs, not all by any means" A word of advice, "do your research" Ask questions if you don't know, but foremost you should already know what you're after before you set foot in a fish store (call ahead of time to see if they have what you're looking for) It will save you money in the long run.

Choosing the correct aquarium for your fish: The first thing to consider when purchasing an aquarium is the size of the aquarium, the second would be the footprint. The type of fish you choose to keep will decide the size of tank you will be setting up. What type of fish are you wanting to keep? Large Africans need a large aquarium such as (108g-250g) & the foot print should be deeper than the height, All haps will need a large tank. I will over stock a show tank & the reason I do this is because it tends to curb aggression between tankmates, if I am breeding a certain species the tank will be set up accordingly. If you choose to keep some of the Mbuna species, some of them can be housed in smaller aquariums such as (55g-90g) again if this is a show tank you will probably have a larger number of fish unless you are focusing on breeding.

Buying a used aquarium: Choosing to buy a used aquarium takes some knowhow. Check all the joints, is the silicone still flexible? or is it coming off when you scratch it with your finger nail? You do not want many air bubbles in the joints, they should be tight/a solid seal. Look for any chips or cracks, shell chips are not typically a problem and if on a back edge of the tank it wont matter. The price will be a little lower and it wont compromise the integrity of the aquarium. Another thing to look for could be the tank sitting level, what did the previous owner have it sitting on? Was it level or twisted? Also look for scratches on the tank, is the viewing of the fish going to be impaired? When looking for a stand, you may choose to build one & save yourself a few bucks. (must have some skill with power tools)

Sand, rocks, & shells: If you are going to go the route I have taken you must first research the types of rock, sand, & wood (if it is going to be used) that are safe before setting up the aquarium. I had a friend use some sand from a local beach in Vancouver & lost all his expensive juvies. Depending on the species you choose you want to set up the aquarium accordingly, The Mbuna (um-boona) species is a rock dwelling cichlid that eats algae & other life growing on & around the rocky territory it lives in. An Mbuna tank would consist of alot more rockwork than a Cichlid that cruises the open water in search of food such as ie. Champsochromis sp. The various larger species tend to cruise the shorelines or open water. The correct way to set this type of aquarium would be fewer rocks & a larger sandy bottom, with more open water for cruising. As far as choosing the correct substrate, I highly recommend natural beach/lake/river sand. "Not crushed coral!" None of the African lakes have a substrate of crushed coral & the ideal African Cichlid biotope should consist of rocks & sand. I am not going to get into all the numerous ways that a tank can be set up but I will tell you something I learned over the past few years...Thatt is that you will almost never find the fish you truly want at most local fish stores, so placing an online order is a great option to have available.

Aquarium set up: Now that you have the Tank & Stand you will need lighting, it is very cost affective buying a fixture from your local hardware/lighting store & building a cap to mount it under. Choosing the bulb will depend on the fishes you are intending to keep, Ipersonallyy prefer Aqua glow, Powerglow or Allglass Aquariums version of the 2 previously mentioned.
Filtration should be considered one of the most important, if not the most important piece of equipment purchased. (NOTE: it is always better to have at least two filters on a single tank) why? Better filtration & incase one fails you have a back up filter. If you choose to set up a large tank then a Sump may be your choice. If your running a smaller tank a couple of Aquaclear's would do the trick.
The heater is a simple choice, buy a trusted name brand heater such as a Ebo-Jaeger.

Now that everything is ready to go, make sure the floor can handle the weight of the tank intended to sit in the chosen spot. Get the tank on the stand, attatch the chosen background, hook up the filters to the tank, put the heater where you can easily get to it for adjustments. NOTE: (do not turn filters or powerheads on yet)
Just a reminder with the rockwork being used, Your choice of rockwork & layout will again depend completely on your chosen stock.

Positioning rockwork, adding sand & start up:
The next step is positioning the rocks in the tank the way you like them and what best suits your fishes needs, then add the sand to the tank.
Make sure to add the correct amount of salt to the water 1tbll spoon per 5 gallons)
Once the tank has filled and the sand has settled you may start the filters & turn the heater on.
I would suggest seeding the tank to decrease the cycling time if possible. Do you have a friend in the hobby or can find an established set-up you trust? Live bacteria from a filter sponge will help you get the tank ready for fish alot sooner. If you are able to get your hands on some live filter bacteria, try to get it into your tank asap. Within an hour if possible, let the tank run over night & get your hands on a couple tester fish. If the local fish store is your only option then purchase the two cheapest Africans you see. Once the tank is seeded & healthy, you may add your chosen stock. (Note: this only works if the tank has added biology from an established aquarium)

New stock: Do not fiddle with the tank for the first few days after adding your new prized stock, let your new fish get comfortable & settle in.
(unless you must, ie.Filterr stops working)

Water changes: For healthy active African Cichlids you should be doing water changes every 5-7 days, (depending on the number of fish you are keeping) ie. I have my 130 g's stocked med/high. I do 50% water changes every 4 - 5 days, every third change may take place on the 6th or 7th day.

Before going to a fish store: Ask yourself.... does the local lfs really deserve my buisness or are they just convenient ? Are they selling a lacking product/stock for premium prices? Is the quality of the stock to your standards? Maybe you should look elsewhere. Do some research & find a reputable dealer. One last point. I strongly disagree with impulse buying, you will almost never be making the correct choice.

Feeding your fish: I feed one brand of food to every African Cichlid I own, from fry to adults.
The food is called NLS/New Life Spectrum, I have had the least amount of problems using this product & I cant say enough positive things about it. "& no I don't get any kick backs from Neil"
His web site address is www.cichlid-food-canada.com
Give it a try, I have not seen anything on the market like it.

"Keeping over 20 African Cichlid aquariums takes work but its enjoyable"

I wish you all the best of luck & enjoy the hobby!
My web site address is www.riftzoneaquatics.com & my e mail address is africancichlids@riftzoneaquatics.com
Send me a e mail if you have any questions.
C.Calderwood.

2006-08-09T22:46:00.000-07:00

Aulonocara maylandia sulphur crest "luwala reef"

Aulonocara korneliae

Stigmatochromis sp. pholodophorus

Aulonocranus dewindti "burundi"

Lethrinops sp. lethrinus

Sciaenochromis fryeri

Copadichromis azeurus

2006-08-09T21:11:00.000-07:00

Aulonocara maylandia sulphurcrest "luwala reef"

2006-08-09T18:54:00.000-07:00

Stigmatochromis sp. pholodophorus

Protomelas spilonotus "liuli"

Protomelas taeniolatus "taiwan reef"

Protomelas taeniolatus red empress

Placidochromis sp. phenochilus

Lethrinops sp. lethrinus

Aulonocara kornelia

Tanganicodus irsacae "burundi"

Copadichromis azeurus

Aulonocranus dewindti "burundi"

2006-08-08T23:57:00.000-07:00

Aulonocara maylandia sulphur crest "luwala reef"

Aulonocranus dewindti "burundi"

2006-08-08T23:56:00.000-07:00

Sciaenochromis fryeri

Aulonocara korneliae

RiftZoneAquatics Gallery & info.

2006-08-08T23:41:00.000-07:00

I will be puting this blog together to show a large variety of the African Cichlids I keep, breed, & offer for sale through my Web site www.riftzoneaquatics.com
Check back for updates regularly. Thank-you for visiting & happy fishkeeping
C.Calderwood