Continuing to thin the herd...

[axs377]

So as some of you may remember I started out with a 8'x33"x24" with a ton of bruisers, mostly amphs... I've continued to thin down the contents and I'm continuing to give away some great fish https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/...lo-and-festae-0-irwin-pa-15642-pickup.681414/

Anyways some thoughts on my final plans for the inhabitants....
1 Midas (male)
1 Chancho (male)
1 magma fh (think male)
A pair of festae

Now just to be clear these fish plus some are in the tank already. There is some aggression though mostly between one of my male festae (the one I plan to keep) and the fh. I've seen smaller tanks with breeding pairs being kept in communities, so I'm thinking I stand a chance. My main question is do you think its better to keep 3 fish with the pair of festae as opposed to one other single fish? I was thinking that should help spread the aggression. Also to note, it will likely be years before the festae are as large as the midas or the chancho, and the fh is rapidly out growing them...

 

[Gourami Swami]

I agree with what you said about having 3 other tankmates vs. having one, I think your chances of success would be higher with the 3. I wouldnt worry too much about the growth rate if they are paired up, their teamwork should help compensate for the size difference. Good on you for giving such nice fish away, and for making sure they are going to appropriate homes.

 

[jeaninel]

Wow some nice fish you're giving away there.

I also agree that you should be okay. In an 8-foot tank there should be enough room for the pair and three other fish. Good luck and keep us updated.

 

[jeaninel]

You might even want to try adding a few dithers. Something fairly quick such as a few balas that could distract the cichlids from aggression towards each other. Just a suggestion.

 

[axs377]

I was contemplating that and may add dithers if needed, just trying to keep the bio-load to a minimum.