Cichlids in a 30gal tank, doable?

[MattDunbar]

I have been looking to get cichlids for my 30gal. Any suggestions on any that won't outgrow the tank, and possibly a few tank mates for them?

If not, anything similar that anyone could suggest. I'm looking for something aggressive, which feeds on live fish preferably (feeder guppies, always makes for an interesting feeding time).

Also, I'd really appreciate any advice on maintaining them.


Thanks!

 

[Loves severums]

firemouth, convict, rainbow cichild. that about the ones that stay to 6".

 

[fishbum]

There really isn't a cichlid that should be fed primarily other fish.
Convicts would work. Keep a single. You could keep some tiger barbs with it.
A salvini would also be OK.Barbs should also work with one too.
Giant danios,or one of the smaller plecos might also work as tank mates.

I would not try to give either of these fish feeders, ever, if you want to keep other fish with it.

 

[JK47]

Salvivni stay small, can be lil monsters with big attitude and can pair up and breed regularly. Why the need for live food? Fun watching them eat? Feeders are not a great staple diet. There are many foods better than live, just sayin.

 

[Bottomfeeder]

Convict, Firemouth, Cuban Cichlid (very cool), Blue Ram, Bolivian Ram, a few Dwarf, Pike Cichlids Salvinis, Angelfish, Severums, Herotilapia all can go in a 30g. Red Cap Geos only get to about 6", so with heavy filtration, it could work.

 

[Loves severums]

Salvivni stay small, can be lil monsters with big attitude and can pair up and breed regularly. Why the need for live food? Fun watching them eat? Feeders are not a great staple diet. There are many foods better than live, just sayin.

^ i agree

 

[MattDunbar]

So, I've got the no live fish diet.


Any particular suggestion on what is readily available (in the toronto area, or perhaps just common), and really cool to watch. I was hoping to get a small school, perhaps 2-3 cichlids of some sort, maybe even 4 along with a few other small fish, or even another small school of something else.

Also, my past experience with fish limits to a few guppies, tetras, and other very small and simple to keep fish. I don't know what to feed these guys, or how often to change how much water. I have read a fair bit, and learned to condition the tap water in a bucket BEFORE doing water changes (I don't think I even used conditioners in my old tank, but they survived, wow, I'm realizing now how bad I was to those fish).


I recall reading somewhere that cichlids will re-arrange the graval. Is that true? I only have a thin layer and will add more so that they don't get right to the floor if that is the case.


Also, now that I have a fully functioning tank, heater, etc. On test kits, water conditioner, food, etc, what should I be expecting to spend up front (to buy the fish), and in the long run on supplies (filter media, etc).

 

[Bottomfeeder]

Also, look into Melanochromis auratus, and Calvus Cichlids


Also, Geophagus heckeli, Shell Dwellers, Apistos...

 

[Szar]

I had about 40ish cichlids in a 30 gal, they were fine. There about 30 now after a few were moved, just buy a few filters.

 

[Fionn]

heh lots of filters Not a lot of room though, the cichlids wont move around as much as something longer