250lt Green Terror tank??

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Mik3y88

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 12, 2016
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Hi.

I'm new to cichlids although the have a couple of community tanks.
I recently purchased a 250lt tank (roughly 65 U.S gallons) the tank dimensions are
48" length
16" width
20" height

I was planning on having a single oscar in there but have been told by more than a few people that it's only just barely big enough and would need alot of maintenance to keep up with an Oscar. Very disappointed.

So I've been looking at smaller cichlids and the green terror has really caught my eye. I was just wondering if my tank would be suitable for a GT and weather it would be big enough to maybe have a couple of tank mates, maybe a couple of convicts or firemouths.

Also have read mixed things about GT temperament any thoughts would be appreciated. I realise all fish are different but just interested to hear the thought from people who have had them.

Finally the reason I was hoping to get an Oscar is because I've read that they are very personable fish and will eat from the caregivers hand and even enjoy being stroked. Do. GT display any of this behaviour.

Sorry if I went on a bit, just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing for whatever fish I end up getting.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Mike
 
If one reason you're deciding against the oscar is because of maintenance, adding more fish with the green terror will lead to more maintenance anyways.

However, I don't think an oscar belongs in a 4' tank. Green terrors aren't the fastest growers but in time the 4' tank will look pretty small.

Maybe stanz will chime in since he has the most impressive riv tank here.
 
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I would say that tank is okay for a single green terror, probably would want to get a male. I would add a few shoaling fish like a buenos Aires tetra or tiger barbs, really any type of mid sized fish you like should make for good dithers. You could also add a smaller sized pleco. I'd avoid catfish they tend to get picked on. As with all cichlids they have their own individual personalities so try to choose one on the more peaceful side. One thing is for certain that I find green terrors not overly aggressive but more territorial so adding another cichlid like a convict or fire mouth would be out of the question. Firemouths also grow to a decent size. Also despite what you might see online or hear no fish should be pet for continued good health, it deteriorates their slime coat leaving them more susceptible to infections and complications. Good luck with your tank
 
fishfanatic80 said:
I would say that tank is okay for a single green terror, probably would want to get a male. I would add a few shoaling fish like a buenos Aires tetra or tiger barbs, really any type of mid sized fish you like should make for good dithers. You could also add a smaller sized pleco. I'd avoid catfish they tend to get picked on. As with all cichlids they have their own individual personalities so try to choose one on the more peaceful side. One thing is for certain that I find green terrors not overly aggressive but more territorial so adding another cichlid like a convict or fire mouth would be out of the question. Firemouths also grow to a decent size. Also despite what you might see online or hear no fish should be pet for continued good health, it deteriorates their slime coat leaving them more susceptible to infections and complications. Good luck with your tank
Click to expand...

Thank you for letting me know that I had no idea.

I've seen dithers before not sure what the term means though. How many shoaling fish would you recommend? When you say mid size fish I assume you mean around 2-5"??
 
GTs would be much better choice. They have always seemed very personal/interactive.
What about CA cichlids? Like herichthys caprintis, RTM, loisellie, or Freddy? They all get around the 12" mark and have personality.
 
Mik3y88 said:
Thank you for letting me know that I had no idea.

I've seen dithers before not sure what the term means though. How many shoaling fish would you recommend? When you say mid size fish I assume you mean around 2-5"??
Click to expand...

Yes your correct dither fish is just another way of saying shoaling fish and exactly with that size range nothing small enough for the terror to eat but nothing too big like a filamentosa barb or tinfoil barb. If you have anymore questions feel free to ask
 
Agree that a GT could make the tank look small over time but they are slow growers. it is however a much more suitable home than it would be for an oscar. I am going to be "that guy" so please nobody hate me lol but the term dither isn't really used correctly most times.

A Dither fish is a fish(usually a schooling fish) that hangs out in the open and helps get shy cichlids to come out more. Many times characins, barbs, and livebearers are used as dither fish to get shy cichlids to come out in the open more. The cichlids see other fish swimming about and decide its safe to come out as well.

A Target fish is a fast moving schooling fish or even another smaller cichlid that are used to help direct internal aggression away from a spawning pair of cichlids. The pair see's the other fish and will attack them instead of each other.

Your looking for neither just a nice schooling fish to keep with your GT. Long term I think that just the GT and some tiger barbs, filament barbs, rainbows, etc in the tank would look really nice. GT's from what i have seen are super interactive and will be more than enough personality for the tank and since they only hit about 10in the 4foot tank suits them well. Although if many years down the line you decide to upgrade than a 5foot 18in wide tank would be a bit better.

Other fish to look into are cuban cichlids. I had a pair and they are super fun to keep very interactive fish and do not get much bigger than 10in. Freddies are an option as well.
 
I Think your tank is the absolute bare minimum for a Gt. Long term I think to be fair to the fish you would need to upgrade.
Most gt's will get to about 10 inches but they are very active and quite energetic fish.
They do grow quite slowly but within two years I think you would need to upgrade your tank.
There are other personable cichlids you could try if upgrading is not possible.
Look at some of the acara species such as portalegrensis or dimerus. They get to a slightly smaller adult size,will interact with their owner and will fit the tank for life.
Rotkiel Severums would also be a better choice long term.You could also keep some small catfish with these and a small shoal of medium sized tetra like black widows or bleeding hearts.
Lots of people will advocate a Gt for a 4 foot tank but it will be very restricted when adult.
 
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Have you considered a Jack Dempsey or even a single parachromis Friedrichstalli or Loisellei. They are slow growers and they dont fill out a 4 feet like a GT or an Oscar.
 
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