a brief update on the condition of my fishies.. have cleaned out the 55g & 30g tanks completely removed all plants filters ornaments gravels and I have sanitized the gravel with hot water to kill off any parasites. The guppie population continues to die off and I continue to medicate. I have changed them into the 30g and I have changed the cichlids into the 55g. I think they (cichs) are enjoying their new huge home. The tanks location is near the computer so now I enjoy them even more than ever. I have another question...
Why is my orange cichlid [I think its a metriaclima estherae (red)] is scratching the right gill on the gravel? it looks like it dive bombs to the gravel like scratching? is this normal for cichlids. they are also moving the gravel around could it be they are trying to make a nest? this is within 12 hrs of them being moved. Im glad I moved them they have an extra 2.5 feet of swimming space they are getting big from when I bought them b4 Xmas they are all calling a certain spot in the tank their own. The orange one was also being chased around by the others and has a tip of the tail bitten off.
You all are great, I love this forum!
Barb
The saga continues... 
