Looking for inspiration

[spedwards]

Hi all,

I've just got back from a weekend away to find my entire Ilangi colony floating, even my old reliable bristlenose has kicked the bucket. I'm in a bit of a rut and I'm not sure how to proceed.

I've always felt for people when they make this sort of post, but to have it happen first person really drives home how hard it is to come home to myself.

Cheers

Jon

[kilroy]

Hi all,

I've just got back from a weekend away to find my entire Ilangi colony floating, even my old reliable bristlenose has kicked the bucket. I'm in a bit of a rut and I'm not sure how to proceed.

I've always felt for people when they make this sort of post, but to have it happen first person really drives home how hard it is to come home to myself.

Cheers

Jon

Gday Jon,

Terrible news and there's probably not much I can say to inspire you. Obviously related to this heat I suppose? All I can say is I hope you get back on the horse so to speak and start again.

[Eddie Salita]

Hi Jon,

That is awful. I'm sure many of us shudder hearing such news. As for inspiration, it comes in many forms depending on who we are. Keeping the tank with no fish for a week or few might enable you to make a decision on what you want to keep next. Knowing that it is there, waiting for your choice of fish when you are ready. Letting some time pass, decisions can sometimes make themselves.

You could go with something fairly low maintenance for a while. I have kept various tangs for years and years. Recently I lost a few of my old breeders and decided on getting a few mbuna just for fun. If nothing else, they are very entertaining, and always action packed, Not terribly demanding, Always busy. It has been nearly a decade since I had mbuna, I had honestly forgotten how much fun they can be. Different colours, new behaviors, and the challenge of mixing different species so they dont fight too much or interbreed. I am enjoying it a lot. I havent lost interest in my tangs... I dont think I ever will. But its like I am enjoying mbuna all over again. Its nice.

Americans are another thought. I like the smallerish ones. Salvini, firemouths, convicts, severums and so on.... You can keep more that way. Have more social interactions. Have a think about it for a while. Keep that tank ready!!!

cheers,

Jason

[spedwards]

I had been thinking of Mbuna or a mixed Malawi display when originally setting up this tank, but the Tropheus caught my eye and that was decision made. I got them from Jim back in 2006 and they were really starting to come out in the last few months, apart from a few unexplained or aggression related loses it had been a very successful tank and I'm heatbroken to see them go in this way.

I did various Americans when I was younger and I think I somehow outgrew them, back when I was into them they were a much cheaper option than Africans who seemed much more exotic and as a student it made sense.

Malawis are something that I've never tried before but always thought about from time to time. I can't really see any Tropheus I'm super interested in on the forums at the moment and I'm thinking that the Mbuna (either species or mixed display community) might be a good option.

[kingtiger]

Jon,

I'm so sad to hear about your lost, I really don't know what to say at this point in time as I'm a bit shock myself hearing your bad news. Whatever the direction you going to take wether Mbuna or Tang's good luck and if your ever want a Cattie give me a Pm and I'll see what I can do for you.

Cheers

Hilton

[spedwards]

The most annoying part is that I'd prepared for the super hot day today and set the A/C to come on via timer, but hadn't noted the updates to the Thursday through Saturday forecast. Live and learn I guess...