Why does Seachem suggest to put more American Cichlid Sand for South American Cichlids?

[easywolf31]

I'm really baffled by this, why is it that on the American Cichlid Sand webpage and directions does Seachem suggest adding the following doses when it's clearly known to anyone who knows Cichlids that South American Cichlids need MUCH lower GH than Central American Cichlids (Perhaps Geophagus need more), Green Terrors need about 5 GH, rams 1-3, discus 1-5, Apistos 1-5 while most Central American Cichlids live in 8-20 GH waters.......

Directions


All doses given for 110 L (30 US gallons).

• SOUTH AMERICAN: Use 2.5 g (1/2 teaspoon).
• CENTRAL AMERICAN: Use 1.25 g (1/4 teaspoon).

[Tech Support JB]

Hi Easy!

We're sorry for the delay in getting back to you, but we have been doing extensive research on the matter and digging through our library to find information on environmental conditions from field studies.

There is a surprising amount of variation in water chemistries even within a particular region. For example in an article published by Heiko Bleher in the April 2008 edition of Cichlid News, a study of the discus habitat of the Nhamundá Lake and river showed a hardness of 83ppm TDS in the lake dropping to about 13ppm TDS at the river's mouth. In comparison, an article on the Green Terror Cichlid in Peru published by Wayne S. Leibel in the January 2011 edition of Cichlid News reports a range of hardness from 173ppm TDS all the way up to 2740ppm TDS.

With that being said many fish are quite adaptable to various water conditions and chemistries, and there isn't necessarily a hard rule. However if dealing with species that are known to be particularly finicky, you may wish to deviate from the recommended dose to suit your purposes.

[ISHOUKI]

to anyone who knows Cichlids that South American Cichlids need MUCH lowe Lucky Patcher Kodi nox r GH than Central American Cichlids (Perhaps Geophagus need more), Green Terrors need about 5 GH, rams 1-3, discus 1-5, Apistos 1-5 while most Central American Cichlids live in 8-20 GH waters.......