29 gallon wet pet cichlid ideas

[Matth05]

So I’m still a little new to the hobby. I currently have a Hericthys Carpintis as a wet pet In my 55 gallon. I recently picked up a smaller 29 gallon tank that I’m trying to have cycled and running by May. I’m looking for another cool wet pet cichlid. Of course one that can live in a 29 gallon. I prefer Central and South American cichlids. Currently my top pick is a Convict. Would love some other ideas. I love the Blue Acaras as well but I think a 29 might be pushing it.

 

[Deadeye]

55 gallon is pushing it for a carpintis as much as 29 is pushing it for an acara in a 30. Neither is ideal for a fish their size, but I’d sooner put a acara in a 29 than a carp in a 55.

That said there are a lot better of good cichlid wet pets for a 29. Most are convicts or their (more colorful) relatives like rainbows, nanolutae, and HRPs.
There are a number of non cichlid wet pets like puffers (though they are harder to keep) or some labyrinth fish.

 

[Matth05]

Thank you. 100% I agree that a 55 is not ideal. Carpintis is around 4 inches currently. I would never let the fish grow to be uncomfortable and a 75 will definitely be happening in the future. How are the convicts in terms of personality? Are they as personable and curious as my Carpintis is?

 

[Deadeye]

Cons have some of the most personality of any cichlid. A male has similar levels of interaction as a Midas. A good platinum male convict even looks like a small (white) Midas cichlid.
I had a cyanoguttatus for a few weeks and that was definitely up there in personality, but I’d say my convict is about the same. Solo fish with some dithers would definitely be a good wet pet.
My most personable cichlids are my parrot and severum, but neither can go in a 29.

 

[Matth05]

Thanks, that is great to know. I looked up some pics of platinum cons and you are absolutely right, they look like miniature white Midas. A convict is definitely my pick as of right now but I would still love to hear some other ideas.

 

[Matth05]

Are platinum convicts fairly common is local fish stores?

 

[Deadeye]

Honestly it depends on the lfs, some get them in all the time and others don’t. Pretty cheap online or in person.

 

[Plec123]

A single crenicichla comprisseps would be cool in a 29. Small but pikes are pretty interactive and personable... also would probably kill anything else in a 29

 

[Jexnell]

Take a look at Jewel cichlids. Beautiful little cichlids, I didn't keep mine long enough to gauge personally.

Not my pic, thank Google

 

[Matth05]

These are all great ideas. Those jewel cichlids look amazing as well as the crenicichla compressiceps. Are there any other smaller pike cichlid species that max out at 4-5 inches that also have nice color?