75 gallon, a single and a pair?

[Dwl0222]

Hi! I’m new to Monster Fish Keepers but not new to cichlids (but far from an expert). I’m re-setting up my 75 gallon tank with sand, driftwood and some rock. My question is, if I wanted a breeding pair of one of convicts, firemouths, Sajica, Rainbows or keyholes etc, could I have a single somewhat larger spieces in with them? JD, Salvini, Severum etc etc? Something robust enough to handle a bit of breeding aggression but not so big/aggressive as to cause a ton of damage on its own. Could it work? What would you recommend for a pair and single combo? Doesn’t have to be just the ones I’ve named above, I’m completely open to suggestions. Please help, I’m driving myself nuts with all the researching and going back and forth lol

 

[tlindsey]

Hi! I’m new to Monster Fish Keepers but not new to cichlids (but far from an expert). I’m re-setting up my 75 gallon tank with sand, driftwood and some rock. My question is, if I wanted a breeding pair of one of convicts, firemouths, Sajica, Rainbows or keyholes etc, could I have a single somewhat larger spieces in with them? JD, Salvini, Severum etc etc? Something robust enough to handle a bit of breeding aggression but not so big/aggressive as to cause a ton of damage on its own. Could it work? What would you recommend for a pair and single combo? Doesn’t have to be just the ones I’ve named above, I’m completely open to suggestions. Please help, I’m driving myself nuts with all the researching and going back and forth lol

Welcome aboard

I personally like keyhole pair with a Severum. Also would add a group of Tetra and bottom dwellers like cory catfish.

 

[Kvandy]

Welcome aboard

I personally like keyhole pair with a Severum. Also would add a group of Tetra and bottom dwellers like cory catfish.

I agree with this stock if you want to avoid problems. I am currently watching a pair of 3 inch convicts defending their eggs and whooping on a JD, salvini ,midas and Texas. and the Midas is 10 inches.

 

[Dwl0222]

Welcome aboard

I personally like keyhole pair with a Severum. Also would add a group of Tetra and bottom dwellers like cory catfish.

Thanks! Ok great, I’ve never kept either so I’d definitely be interested in trying something new. I figured it’s best to stay away from anything overly aggressive to avoid issues. Was kind of hoping to try a pair of Sajica for their coloration etc...but I do want the fish to thrive more than anything else. Yup Whether I wound up with Central or South American I definitely plan on a dither as well as bottom feeders. Thanks again for your help!

 

[Dwl0222]

I agree with this stock if you want to avoid problems. I am currently watching a pair of 3 inch convicts defending their eggs and whooping on a JD, salvini ,midas and Texas. and the Midas is 10 inches.

Haha, yeah i know more about convicts than any other cichlid. They’re tough little guys! I know they’re a dime a dozen in the aquarium trade, but they’re one of my favorites for sure. If they weren’t so aggressive I’d definitely be going that direction again. I had a pair a couple years back but the male turned on the female...I’ve also had firemouth, a JD, then at one point a wet pet Red Devil. I was leaning toward seeing if i could get something to work with a pair of Sajica, I’ve never had them and they seem to have nice color and seem pretty hardy, but I’m open to Keyholes as well.

 

[Mitchell The Monster]

Sajica are a good choice IMO. Not super aggressive but can hold there own alot of the time. Ive seen Sajica breed in tanks with angels, Congo tetras, hillstream loaches, pleco and Cory cats all in the same tank.

 

[PhishMon84]

My $.02 In any of these mixed aggregations I always try to start with juveniles and have them grow up together. Seems to makes things easier.

 

[Dwl0222]

Sajica are a good choice IMO. Not super aggressive but can hold there own alot of the time. Ive seen Sajica breed in tanks with angels, Congo tetras, hillstream loaches, pleco and Cory cats all in the same tank.

Think they’d be ok in a 75 with a single larger cichlid like I mentioned in my original post, Salvini, JD, any others? Or are they best as the only cichlid in that size tank?

 

[Dwl0222]

My $.02 In any of these mixed aggregations I always try to start with juveniles and have them grow up together. Seems to makes things easier.

Yeah I definitely plan on getting juveniles no matter what species I end up with. I enjoy watching them grow so it works out well for them and myself haha. So, your thoughts, a cichlid pair and a single larger cichlid in a 75? I’ve gotten some good recommendations so far but would love to hear as many thoughts/opinions as possible. Thanks!

 

[PhishMon84]

I would think any cryptoheros or amitilania species should work well as a pair.
I play with a fire a little bit, in my own hobby.
I would think a single carpintis or nic could also work. Just some of my favorites.
Not too much bigger and quit simular to salvini is archocentrus centrarchus- beautiful peaceful fish- but hard to find.
If you did find it I would be tempted to just give them the tank and keep a trio of firemouths below