aggression issues in 29gal, HELP!

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MDH

MDH

Candiru
MFK Member
Jan 14, 2007
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Canada, eh.
Hi all, 1st and foremost, let me explain my current setup: (I'm new to cichlids!)

29 gallon growout (will be upgrading anywhere from 55 to 100+ in next 6-8 months)
I know you are all thinking OVERSTOCKED right now, but like I said, It's only temporary.

Cycled it, grabbed a 4.5" Male Blue Acara and a 2.5" Male Convict from a friend a few weeks back, put them in the 29, they have been excellent tankmates, no aggresion whatsoever.

I then went and grabbed a 2.5" female GT this past weekend to add to the mix....bad idea! I had to put a divider in within 30 mins of introducing the GT, she was getting chased and beat all the heck by the other 2. Mind you there are lots of hiding places for her, but they seemed to tag team her, it was crazy to say the least. She would have been dead in no time.

My question is, is the aggression due the size of the tank (territorial issues), gender issues (same problem with a male GT?), or a combination of both? Or have I totally missed my mark?

So what do I have for options at this point, should I leave the female a section by herself, let her growout some, then re-introduce? Will I likely have the same issues when she's bigger? Or do I go find a new home for her, and wait find a bigger Male GT that could hold his own?

Thanks for help here guys, I'm loving the hobby, althought it's some :screwy: at times...
 
The 2 primary reasons for your troubles, is the size of the tank, and your introducing a new fish to an established territory of other fish, it rarley works in cichlidville... Also keep in mind when starting a community 2 is rarely a good number, one fish is going to get beat down generally, 3 is a much better number.
 
Thanks for the input. So am I going to have the same problem with any other cichlid I add to this tank?
 
There isn't a lot of territory to be claimed in the 29, so I would say you will have trouble introducing any fish that the current fish would consider a threat to it's territory.
 
Scottfree;664805; said:
The 2 primary reasons for your troubles, is the size of the tank, and your introducing a new fish to an established territory of other fish, it rarley works in cichlidville... Also keep in mind when starting a community 2 is rarely a good number, one fish is going to get beat down generally, 3 is a much better number.
Click to expand...

Right on!

I would not agree tho that it would be a good idea to "Grow out" the other two fish in an aquarium that is way too small for them. I believe this is stressful on them, could stunt them, and is not healthy. Especially for juvenile fish that are trying to grow. I would move them to the bigger tank ASAP and add your new fish (Whatever compatible species you choose) at that time. This would basically let you start from scratch because no territories in the big tank will be established yet. They will all have their chance at staking a claim. OR you could put the GT in the big tank first for a week or so. Let him/her claim an area then add the others. Could give the GT a slight advantage and some confidence.

My 2 Cents. Good luck!
 
Great,

Sounds like I'll find a new home for the GT. Unfortunately, I won't be getting my bigger tank until late summer, so the Acara and Convict will have to make due in their 29G. You really think the 29G is even too small for just the 2 of them? I didn't think the Acara would get any bigger than 6"?
 
Headrush;665175; said:
Right on!

I would not agree tho that it would be a good idea to "Grow out" the other two fish in an aquarium that is way too small for them. I believe this is stressful on them, could stunt them, and is not healthy. Especially for juvenile fish that are trying to grow. I would move them to the bigger tank ASAP and add your new fish (Whatever compatible species you choose) at that time. This would basically let you start from scratch because no territories in the big tank will be established yet. They will all have their chance at staking a claim. OR you could put the GT in the big tank first for a week or so. Let him/her claim an area then add the others. Could give the GT a slight advantage and some confidence.

My 2 Cents. Good luck!
Click to expand...

29 gallon is not way too small for a con and an acaura minimum but not too small.
 
The minimum recommended tank size for a Blue Acara is 150L/40 Gallons. This fish will grow to be approximately 8" long. Try to imagine an 8" fish in a 36" tank = too big. Could be ok for a little while I guess, or until summer. But this is not a healthy environment for this fish. go here: http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_blueacara.php

The minimum recommended tank size for a convict is 100L/27 gallons (by himself) this fish will grow to around 6" long. This could be ok I guess in the 30. But I wouldn't keep them together in there too long if you can help it. Go here: http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_convict.php

Good luck
 
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