I picked up two 1 1/4 inch babys on Monday and today they are looking OK. They are in a 24 x 10 x 10 tank with sand bottom and slate everywhere. I have made loads of caves from 0 to 1/2 inch high (sloping) so they can get in as far as they like. Temp is about 80 deg F, and pH at 6.5. I use RO with minerals and a bit of buffer. I have an internal cannister which cycles water 16 times an hour. The water is a bit brown (sand) but the quality is good.
So, hello everybody, and I love these Zebs. I have been keeping Lake Vic Cichlids for a few years and saw these guys... the rest is history

Anyhow, the "boys" are doing well I think. Still scuttling about in thier caves. 96 hours from pick up, I think the danger period is over would you say??
A couple of questions though:
1. Food - Hikari algea flakes and ZM400 OK? I have read that these guys are not too fussed about algea. Also, how on earth to you get them to feed on the ZM?
2. Bog wood - yes or no? Apart from making the tank look a bit nicer IMO is there any real reason to have it. Will these guys benefit from a bit of bog wood?
3. Tank mates - I'm not to fussed about tank mates, but wouldn't some danios or something similar give the guys some sense of security. An empty river usually spells "big predator on it's way" - do you not think?
I have spent a while reading up on this forum and I must say that you guys are a real friendly bunch - I am well happy to be a member.
Hope to hear from you all - I'm of to watch the zebs for an hour or two
