Getting back into Cichla!

[HrHagel]

Small tank will slow down the grow or May stunt them grow. The bigger is the better.
Kelberies usually don't get to 20" too fast.

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This is not correct.
Tank size in and of itself has nothing to do with growth rates.

Some people have observed slower growth rates in smaller tanks, but correlation is not causation.
The reason this happens is due to a couple of factors, mainly Nitrates building up quicker in a lower volume of water, and another important factor could be stress due to not being able to move around, escape, and seek shelter as the fish needs to.

If you can keep the water quality spot on, and keep your fish happy and relaxed, the fish will grow at the exact same rates as fish in a larger volume of water would.

The latter part of your post is usually spot on though, with only a few exceptions mainly concerning fry and juvenile individuals

Go for the 180+.
From what i have read, Cichla grow very fast, reguardless of species, so you would probably do yourself a favor getting the final home for the fish to start off with.

 

[Aquafreak]

Do you even keep bass or know what your talking about? Kelberi and xingu both can get over 20". 5-6 adult bass is too many in a little 180.


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I do and have prior. Can and will are different stories as well. Let's look at average size. I didn't recommend 5 or 6 either, I only suggested smaller species. This is a forum for open discussion and I am discussing things openly.

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[gacericardo]

It would take almost two years for a kelberi to reach anywhere near 20 inches. I'm getting 3 grow out for a 100 gallon and I'll upgrade when necessary. They all start small. Just make sure you have a plan