So for the last few years, I've been a diehard SA cichlid guy who has dealt almost exclusively with nothing but peaceful (or at most mildly aggressive) cichlids.
I've gone through several tank swaps. Started out with a 20 high, added a couple 55s, sold the 55s in order to graduate to a 125, then sold everything to build a rack with four 20 longs on top and a pair of 55s down below because I was certain I wanted to breed cichlids. Come to find out, my heart just wasn't really in it. So I got rid of the rack and got another 125, which is the only tank I currently have (I know, sad days).
I've also gone through a LOT of cichlids. More than I care to mention, to be honest. I did all my research and made sure every fish I kept was given a proper home, but eventually I would get bored with them and move them out to get something else. Most of what I've had have been slow growing babies or juvies, which could be part of my problem.
Anyways, I'm narrowing my stock down to just a few cichlids and I'm having this internal struggle that is all too familiar. I only have 7 small cichlids ranging from 2-4" in the 125 and find myself being suddenly attracted to the Vieja/former Vieja genus since it would be pretty easy to rehome my remaining stock and start fresh.
I think the thing that attracts me to the Vieja the most (besides their beautiful color) is their more personable nature (or so I've read). With all the pets I have (I practically live in a petting zoo), I'm most attracted to the creatures that are personable and don't shy away from me when I approach (something all my SAs do). I love the idea of a community tank where I don't have to worry about one fish ripping eyes out of other fish or killing them, but I also want fish that will "beg" or "greet" me when I come by, not run and hide to wait until I have stopped moving or left to come back out.
What are your thoughts on my dilemma?
What are the pros and cons of SAs compared with CAs?
Would I be better off just keeping a single, large Vieja in a 75-100 gallon tank to avoid aggression or is a community tank possible with a Vieja and other fish in a 125?
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I've gone through several tank swaps. Started out with a 20 high, added a couple 55s, sold the 55s in order to graduate to a 125, then sold everything to build a rack with four 20 longs on top and a pair of 55s down below because I was certain I wanted to breed cichlids. Come to find out, my heart just wasn't really in it. So I got rid of the rack and got another 125, which is the only tank I currently have (I know, sad days).
I've also gone through a LOT of cichlids. More than I care to mention, to be honest. I did all my research and made sure every fish I kept was given a proper home, but eventually I would get bored with them and move them out to get something else. Most of what I've had have been slow growing babies or juvies, which could be part of my problem.
Anyways, I'm narrowing my stock down to just a few cichlids and I'm having this internal struggle that is all too familiar. I only have 7 small cichlids ranging from 2-4" in the 125 and find myself being suddenly attracted to the Vieja/former Vieja genus since it would be pretty easy to rehome my remaining stock and start fresh.
I think the thing that attracts me to the Vieja the most (besides their beautiful color) is their more personable nature (or so I've read). With all the pets I have (I practically live in a petting zoo), I'm most attracted to the creatures that are personable and don't shy away from me when I approach (something all my SAs do). I love the idea of a community tank where I don't have to worry about one fish ripping eyes out of other fish or killing them, but I also want fish that will "beg" or "greet" me when I come by, not run and hide to wait until I have stopped moving or left to come back out.
What are your thoughts on my dilemma?
What are the pros and cons of SAs compared with CAs?
Would I be better off just keeping a single, large Vieja in a 75-100 gallon tank to avoid aggression or is a community tank possible with a Vieja and other fish in a 125?
Sent from my iPad using MonsterAquariaNetwork app