Does anyone have any experience with Jack Dempsey's in community tanks? What about planted tanks? What are good, predominantly non-cichlid tankmates for a Jack Dempsey? Any thoughts?
Jack Dempsey in Community Tank
- Thread starter AquaApprentice
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It depends on your definition of "community". I've seem them in tanks with other CA/SA cichlids. Ive also seen them with large bodied schooling fish as ditchers, plecos, bichirs, and loaches. But there's always the possibility you get the JD that doesn't allow tankmates to live.
probably ok with larger community, i have one with a few other s. amer. and a channel cat and 2 bass. but need to be prepared to possibly move as size and even temperment will change. i would not allow him to be the first one in as a territorial dominance can occur. as for plants, any larger fish are tough on plants, and many cichlids like to dig.
Yeah, that is about what I expected; but just would like to hear everyone's experiences/opinions on the matter; I know several people keep Firemouths as the centerpiece of more peaceful community tanks and was wondering if anyone has done the same with JD's? What about EBJD's? Are they really as different in temprament as some people suggest?
This setup is kind of interesting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G39KyS1OvxY
This setup is kind of interesting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G39KyS1OvxY
AquaApprentice;4817397; said:
EBJD tend to be smaller and less "aggressive" towards other fish, but Ive heard different stories too. But every fish has its own personality. However, the EBJD does grow pretty slow and can be prone to disease and early death. If you would like to try out an EBJD try to find one 3+" and try not to have any other aggressive fishes in the tank to stress him out. Once it puts on some size, they become stunners with age and would make a great centerpiece fish.
I have two males in a large CA comm tank. No problem whatsoever, but they are the smallest beasts, anyway....
To answer your question in a very general sense, yes you can keep them in a planted community tank. The question then becomes what constitutes a planted community tank in this context. To answer that question, tank size along with the temperament of the JD in question needs to be determined. If were talking about a 55 as bare min then one JD, some Mollies as dither in keeping with the CA theme and for plants floating water sprite and some Java fern tied to rocks or driftwood. Then you have a low tech planted community for your JD in a 55. Start going bigger you can do more. If you get more specific youll get more information regarding the exact situation youre talking about. Hope that helps.
have a female in 125g she does ok with other fish she definately lets them know whose boss and claims 1/3 of the tank has hers she is also the biggest prolly why
If she is already territorial it will be hard to put her in a community with other cichlids. She might get overly aggressive with other fish. It's pretty much impossible to try and tame a fish that has become aggressive.
With a 125 gallon you could do alot of different things for a community tank. I would suggest going with maybe a schooling fish that is too large for her to eat, and some cat fish that grow between 4 & 5" like pictus for example.
As far as plants go I agree with Aquanero. Java ferns and other lower light plants that can be anchored down to driftwood are your best bet. My JD will eat and uproot anything that she can, leaves alone anything she can't uproot. My ebjd on the other hand I placed him into a planted tank when he was still a fry and he never bothers my plants as long as put enough vegetable and plant matter in his diet.
With a 125 gallon you could do alot of different things for a community tank. I would suggest going with maybe a schooling fish that is too large for her to eat, and some cat fish that grow between 4 & 5" like pictus for example.
As far as plants go I agree with Aquanero. Java ferns and other lower light plants that can be anchored down to driftwood are your best bet. My JD will eat and uproot anything that she can, leaves alone anything she can't uproot. My ebjd on the other hand I placed him into a planted tank when he was still a fry and he never bothers my plants as long as put enough vegetable and plant matter in his diet.
