Help me pick wet pet for 48x18x12

[Natalie]

I've got a fun project!! I am setting up a 48x18x18 acrylic setup for my razorback musk turtle. The water level will be at 12" because it's a unique tank that has a lowered front wall (it's called a "garden tank"). I'll have riparium plants above the water level.

I'd like to stock a single wet pet cichlid in this tank, sized maybe 6-7", or a few smaller cichlids. To be clear, the swimming space will be 48x18x12 inches, and the cichlid can't be hyper aggro because of the turtle. I don't think the turtle will pose any threat to fish this size. He's terrified of ghost shrimp at this point.

My thoughts were one of the following:
- female JD
- female salvini
- female Red Isletas

I already have a male con in my other tank, so a female might be a nice change. Any ideas???

 

[WckedMidas]

Go with pair of cons so when the turtle eats them. There cheap to replace or salvinis.,

 

[cichlidaddiction]

salvini all the way

 

[Natalie]

Go with pair of cons so when the turtle eats them. There cheap to replace or salvinis.,

I really don't think my turtle, who's 2 inches SCL and will max out at 4, is going to be able to catch a con. He's very clumsy. And I have a con already.

Based on both your suggestions, a female salvini might be the way to go.

 

[Jc1119]

My jack Dempsey terrorized my salvini to death so I'd say salvini. Might stay a little smaller and mine wasn't super aggressive

My jack Dempsey is just a punk. Pure tank bully. Mine would terrorize anything
especially in a one on one situation. Mine is only doable because he has multiple tankmates. You could get a nice one. I didn't.
Salvini based on my experience.....

 

[Yellow_Perch]

just do a salvini

 

[xinchavoc]

In that sized tank i would go female red isletas, or female xiloaensis....

 

[Natalie]

In that sized tank i would go female red isletas, or female xiloaensis....

I would LOVE a female xilo, just worried about her getting too big. What do you think? I am itching for an Amphilophus in my house.

 

[WckedMidas]

get u a pair of salvinis and then u got babys to

 

[xinchavoc]

I would LOVE a female xilo, just worried about her getting too big. What do you think? I am itching for an Amphilophus in my house.

In that sized tank a female should work they only get 8" males get 10-12" never seen one over 12"