Tank stocking small and large cichlids?

[iverson387]

ok i was told today that if i was to stock a tank with cichlids and then a yr down the road i could not add small cichlids they would have to be of the same size. Is this true or is it ok to say add a 2 inch cichlid with a few 5 inchers jus an example

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

depends on the species, but generally I wouldn't add new 2" fish with much bigger ones that have been established for a while. I've done it before successfully, but only with less aggressive Geos and things like that.

 

[Ianab]

Yes it can be a problem with the more agressive species.

What people would normally do is set up a seperate 'grow out' tank for the small fish. It doesn't have to be huge, because you are only keeping smaller fish in it. Once they get big enough to take care of themselves they can go in the big boys tank.

So then you can buy new 2" fish, keep them in the smaller tank untill the reach 3 or 4", then it 'should' be safe to move them into the tank with the 5" fish.

Cheers

Ian