New tank

[superfrog]

Hi guys

I have a tank sitting around doing nuffin and I am considering starting up my cichlid tank.

Years ago I had a cichlid community which was disasterous, mainly as I had done no research into it all. I was very young and ras back then - lol.

Anyways, I love these fish as I personally feel there aren't any other fish with the spark and personality of a cichlid!!!
Problem is, I wish to avoid the violent temprements and killing I had previously.

So first things first...tank size. Here in South Africa we don't measure things by gallons, but by a rough estimate I would say that the tank is around 300 litres (what we refer to locally as a 4 foot tank). Not really sure what that translates into in gallons.

Secondly, from my research thus far it would seem as though I need to decide which species of cichlid to go for. I was hoping you guys could give some suggestions taking into consideration that I hope to set up as calm a community as possible. (Yes, I know that's kind of difficult with cichlids, but one can always hope )

 

[big train]

sounds like u got a 75 gal and i suggest u get blue acara/convict/firemouth/jewel /greenterror/oscer these are some of the lesser agrasive types but they still will fight and kill no getting out of that.also stay away from the meaner ones like rt/jag/devil/midas/dovii/butti just a common few. lol

 

[js302]

Hi and welcome to MFK superfrog.

As i'm sure you will be told, the list is endless as to the kind of cichlids you can go for. To keep aggression down, don't overstock the tank. (i think 300litres is about 90gals)

I would suggest angles, maybe some geophagous (sand shifters). Parrot cichlids, rams. They are nice looking and not aggressive.

I dont know what is available however in SA.

I wouldn't go for oscars, they'll get to big in that tank and really need a big tank to survive.
Any that you have in mind?

 

[superfrog]

Wow!!! didn't think the response would be that quick since its 23:00 here is SA! lol

I always loved GT and convicts. My big bro has 2 Blood Parrots that have grown to humungous proportions! pretty kewl fish!

Right now I'm really confused. Been reading on other sites that the convict is the real axe murderer of the fish world and that they don't call the GT a Terror for nothing...lol. So I was a bit suprised to see it listed as the 'lesser aggressive' fish.

I really do like fronts. They look very majestic. Just wondering if there are some other colourful Tanganyikans to keep them company. Or maybe go for a species setup with just the Frontys and some good decor???

Jeez, I don't know...

 

[superfrog]

BTW, we get just about everything here in South Africa...
The tank I'm setting up now used to house my marine reef, and even marine stuff was readily available. Unfortunately I had to sell up all my SW stuff when I moved to Dubai for a while.

 

[superfrog]

Is it also safe to assume that, generally, aggression is lesser in a species setup as opposed to community tank? (i say generally because I am aware that there are some species who cant stand their own kind)

Im just wondering, with cichlids being so aggressive, how do peoplke maintain successful cichlid aquariums without losing fish every so often to the inherent temprements of these monsters?