got a new aquarium from a friend

[pcfriedrich]

20 gallon (24x12), has a jewel and a jd, both around 3". reading up on jewels, some sources say their max size is 4", others say 7". From your personal experience, how big do jewels really get? I know the JD will eventually need to move to my 55 (after my growing O and RD are moved to a bigger aquarium), but would that jewel be good in the 20 (by itself) for life? Also, should I anticipate any aggression while they are juveniles? I know the jewel is African, but are their needs similar enough that they will be compatible for the time being?

They seem to be doing fine, and have been together for a few months before I aquired them today.

 

[AMG]

The Jewel should be just fine alone in the 20 gallon for life.

For now, the JD and Jewel should be fine together as far as care is concerned. Just watch for aggression.

 

[pcfriedrich]

thanks. that's what I fugured. just wanted to make sure, as I have no real experience with jewels. Jewel and a JD look pretty good together. they are exremely skittish still, all they do is hide behind plants. I was considering putting a couple 1-1.5" convicts in there, to kind of act as dithers. would this be recommended, or do you think it would overcrowd a 20 gallon and have the opposite effect?

 

[livebearerfreak]

will do for now for dithering

 

[AMG]

I was considering putting a couple 1-1.5" convicts in there, to kind of act as dithers. would this be recommended, or do you think it would overcrowd a 20 gallon and have the opposite effect?

I would give them more time before putting dithers in. If they're still acting skittish and unsociable after a week or so, then maybe add a little something to loosen them up. A few Backskirt Tetras would be good.

 

[Hawkfish3.0]

will do for now for dithering

Um, who's the dither? The Dempsey or the jewel?