07-27-05: Hmm, interesting. OK, so I removed the Chalinochromis, and because they were gone I took out the rock structure. Then, because the vals were shading themselves to death (not by any means an unsolvable problem but maintenance was getting to be a NIGHTMARE) I put in a plant order at AZGardens that included a couple of alternatives (a shorter val species and giant hairgrass - I'll try both and see). In the meantime I ripped the stuff out. Leaving, of course, a whole lot of open space in the tank. The highest plant is now my biiiig Crypt wendtii, at about 10" - and it's only that high for a few leaves. Without the Chalis to harass them or vertical hiding space to keep them feeling safe higher up, I expected the cyps to "come down to earth" until the new plants were in and spreading. Boy, was I wrong. They're as active and high up as they've ever been, and more. They've stopped clustering in the corner to beg for food - they take it ravenously when I give it but they seem much busier swimming in their new space to bother begging. The no-longer shaded tank means their colors aren't as bold, but color is about number 58 on the list of why I love this fish, and besides they're still quite young and have plenty more color coming. Anyway, I think the conventional wisdom is right - open space, open space, open space! ... which isn't to say I'm not going to be happy to have a "backdrop" of plants again. :) 07-01-05: That female ended up eating her eggs (very common for first spawns) but now she (or is it another female? Who could tell?) is holding again. Trying not to get too excited but mouthbrooding is just so cool. 05-23-05: One of my larger females is holding! She's so cute. My understanding is that younger females will spawn independantly, and over time they'll work out the group mechanics so they're all holding at once. I think I'm going to use a fry tank this time; I'll catch her in three weeks and move her to a smaller tank, let her drop them naturally, then raise them there. 03-14-05: The cyps are as gorgeous as ever. The two mostly-colored-up males (I suspect at least one other male, but he's much smaller and only tinted blue a little) are endlessly fun to watch, and the females are such sweeties. I'm quite tempted to buy another group and increase the school.

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