Not at all. Most african cichlids do very well with some salt in the water.

Usual dosage is about 1 tablespoon per 10 gallons.

G’s answer is better though…. You really shouldn’t mix SA and African cichlids.

you crossed the cichlid line — in general you shouldn’t mix african (yellow) and south american(convict and green terror). convicts and green terrors are very forgiving though — just be more careful next time you add a cichlid. do the tablespoon for 5 gallon thing — you should be ok. if the south americans look stressed — like they start breathing weird — be ready to do a water change.

First off it’s true, mixing the cichlids from such different biotopes is not recommended – not just because of the difference in water and diet, but also because the types exhibit completely different behavior – basically they speak different languages, which will, as they all grow and mature, only cause conflict. In addition, Electric yellow’s are grouping fish, living socialably in large numbers in the wild, and if you want to see the best out of these guys in the aquarium they should be kept in kind.

The idea that Africans need salt is misguided. They are fresh water fish. They do best in water with a higher PH (ideally close to or just above 8), this can be accomplished with certain salts and additives, but then you’re going in the opposite direction of what your other cichids prefer, which is neutral or slightly acid water.

Go to and start reading. It’s a great source of information and can teach you lots on how to take care of these wonderful, but often misunderstood fish.