29 gallon wet pet cichlid ideas

[PhishMon84]

Little bit of an update on the thread. After a good college semester my parents said I'm all good to start setting up the 29. I've fallen in love with the platinum convict and I plan on growing one from a small size. I love how they look like miniature Midas cichlids, a fish I'd love to keep in the future. Many people also say they have a pretty good "wet pet" personality. So the plan as of right now is to get the tank cycled and ready. I have a Marineland Magniflow 220 from my Carpintis tank which I replaced with an fx4. I also have a spare Marineland Penguin 200 which I can always add on as well. Does anyone know how to tell the difference between male and female platinum cons at a small size? Regular convicts are much easier. My initial plan was to go to the Lfs and pick out whichever one seemed dominant and just kind of hope it's a male.

Congrats on a good semester!
I’m assuming you’ll only have the summer for growout? Or can you take the tank with you. I never had one in the dorms but had a 29, 36 bow, 55 and 75 in the house I rented from junior year past graduation.
If you only have the summer start with a larger fish. Your parents are less likely to get bored if it’s already exhibiting good color and personality- a lot of times vendors sell known males. If you’re taking the tank with you in the fall disregard

 

[Matth05]

Congrats on a good semester!
I’m assuming you’ll only have the summer for growout? Or can you take the tank with you. I never had one in the dorms but had a 29, 36 bow, 55 and 75 in the house I rented from junior year past graduation.
If you only have the summer start with a larger fish. Your parents are less likely to get bored if it’s already exhibiting good color and personality- a lot of times vendors sell known males. If you’re taking the tank with you in the fall disregard

Thank you! I commute to my college so I’ll have all the time I need to grow out the little guy. I grew up with cichlid tanks in the house so my parents love cichlids. As long as I keep my grades up, they have no problem with me setting up a little mini “wet pet” convict tank.

 

[PhishMon84]

Well cool, that changes things. My parents sold a bunch of my stuff on Craigslist while I’m was couch surfing for a few months after graduating and my lease expiring- sounds that won’t be an issue.
My parents had cichlid tanks growing up too- mostly angels, snakeheads when you could get them. They used to keep an O in a 30- times have changed

 

[Deadeye]

Chances are a female will still have the orange spots even when platinum.
Male will be biggest, have trailers on the fins, and a nuchal hump growing.

 

[Matth05]

Chances are a female will still have the orange spots even when platinum.
Male will be biggest, have trailers on the fins, and a nuchal hump growing.

Thanks! I didn’t know females can develop the orange coloring. That’ll make it a little easier.

 

[Matth05]

Chances are a female will still have the orange spots even when platinum.
Male will be biggest, have trailers on the fins, and a nuchal hump growing.

Are pink convicts any different to platinums? Just curious. They look extremely similar.

 

[Deadeye]

Are pink convicts any different to platinums? Just curious. They look extremely similar.

Platinum will be bright white, pink are also white but with a more pinker coloration.
Pink females definitely keep the orange - platinum may not (though that may vary by individual).
Both are essentially white convicts.

 

[Matth05]

Platinum will be bright white, pink are also white but with a more pinker coloration.
Pink females definitely keep the orange - platinum may not (though that may vary by individual).
Both are essentially white convicts.

Okay cool, thanks.

 

[Matth05]

Things are coming together! Quick question, has anyone used Quikrite pool filter sand as substrate? I’ve washed some extra that was in the house. It has a nice dark tan color that I think would emulate the waters of Central America pretty well. Anyone have experience using it?

 

[tlindsey]

View attachment 1496055
Things are coming together! Quick question, has anyone used Quikrite pool filter sand as substrate? I’ve washed some extra that was in the house. It has a nice dark tan color that I think would emulate the waters of Central America pretty well. Anyone have experience using it?

Yes I actually have it in a 180 gallon.