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Midwest Aquarium and Pond Supplier LLC

(113) Red Rubin Cichlid 3in

(113) Red Rubin Cichlid 3in

$80.00 USD
$80.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
The name "Red Rubin" can refer to two very different things in the aquarium hobby: a type of African cichlid and a species of aquatic plant. To provide the correct care information, you must first identify which one you have. 

1. The Red Rubin Peacock Cichlid
The Red Rubin Peacock, sometimes sold as the German Red or Ruby Red, is a captive-bred variant of the peacock cichlid (Aulonocara sp.) from Lake Malawi in Africa. 

Tank setup
  • Tank size: A minimum of a 55-gallon tank is recommended for a group, with 75 gallons or more ideal for managing territorial aggression.
  • Substrate: A fine, sandy substrate is best, as these fish sift through the sand for food.
  • Filtration: A powerful and robust filtration system is essential.
  • Decorations: Aquascape with plenty of stacked rocks, caves, and crevices to create territories and hiding places.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is best. 

Water parameters
  • Temperature: Maintain a stable temperature between 75 and 82°F.
  • pH: A high pH of 7.5–8.6 is necessary to replicate their natural Lake Malawi environment.
  • Water changes: Regular partial water changes are essential for keeping nitrates low. 

Diet and feeding
  • Omnivorous diet: A varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes is best, supplemented with frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms.
  • Feeding schedule: Feed once or twice daily, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes. 

Temperament and tank mates
  • Semi-aggressive: Males can be territorial toward their own kind, especially when breeding.
  • Social dynamics: To minimize aggression, maintain a male-to-female ratio of at least 1:3.
  • Tank mates: They are best kept with other similarly sized and tempered Peacock cichlids and Haps. 

2. The Red Rubin Sword Plant
The Red Rubin Sword (Echinodorus 'Red Rubin') is a popular and hardy aquatic plant known for its vibrant red and green foliage. 

Tank setup
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting (20–35 PAR) is sufficient, but higher light can intensify the coloration.
  • Substrate: A nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs are necessary, as they are heavy root feeders.
  • Placement: It is often used as a background or centerpiece plant in larger aquariums due to its size.
  • Fertilization: Adding root tabs or liquid fertilizer will encourage vigorous growth. 

Water parameters
  • Temperature: They can tolerate a temperature range of 70–82°F.
  • Water quality: This is an undemanding and adaptable plant that does well in most water conditions. 

Maintenance
  • Pruning: Large, outer leaves may die off and should be trimmed to maintain the plant's shape and prevent shading other plants.
  • Propagation: They propagate by sending out runners. 

Considerations
  • Cichlid compatibility: While most fish leave it alone, some species, like Bristlenose Plecos and other bottom-dwellers, may nibble at the leaves.
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