Opinions on my cichlid tank decisions.

[brockfishhawk]

Hello all! I have been reading these forums for a while and now I get the opportunity to be in the discussions! I have a couple questions regarding my decisions on my fish selection and tank size estimates. Last month I picked up 1 tiger oscar (1.5 inch) 1 jack dempsey (2 inch) 1 convict (1 inch) 1 snow white cichlid (2 inch) 1 marble horned pleco (3 inch) and a blue zebra (2 inch). Right now as they are small I have them in a 30 gallon tank. Feeding them 2 times a day with brine shrimp and then pellets.

My questions are:

#1: has anyone had problems with compatability with any of the aboved mention? (So far my convict likes to torment my oscar, I believe the convict is a female with the orange spot) No other aggressions seem to be noticed.

#2: I have a 100g tank ready for when they get a bit bigger and I don't plan to stop at that size, but when is a good indicator that they need more space? Mostly fighting? Or should I just put them in the 100 now?

#3: Has anyone noticed if feeding cichlids non-living foods decrease there temperment to tank mates?

Thanks for any opinions, Im new but have done a good amount of research. So far I might take the tiger oscar out into it's own tank to grow him stress free.

Cheers!

 

[andyjs]

Just put them in the 100. Most cichlids are pretty messy fish and it will be much easier to keep the tank clean if they have more water

 

[pcfriedrich]

I agree. put them in the 100 now. the oscar will outgrow the 30 in a couple of months, anyway. they will all be happier and grow faster with more space/cleaner water.

 

[brockfishhawk]

Thanks for the reply. I'm in the process of getting the tank ready now. It was used as a salt water tank and has an overflow section in the back right and i was think of patching it over instead of using it. I think I could save some money instead of trying to get the right parts for it. I been doing a water change every 2 weeks at 50% with these guys and it stays relatively nice. The JD is starting to get very colorful, I will have to find some pics.

 

[CTU2fan]

I would use the overflow and add a sump. Well, depending on what all is there I mean...but if you just need the plumbing and pump it will be way cheaper than buying a HOB or canister filter.

 

[terd ferguson]

I would use the overflow and add a sump. Well, depending on what all is there I mean...but if you just need the plumbing and pump it will be way cheaper than buying a HOB or canister filter.

This^.

Put them in the 100g now. Use your 30g and make a wet/dry sump for the 100g. All you'll need to buy is some cheap glass, silicone, PVC, bio balls and a pump. More effeicient and likely cheaper than a canister. Check out the DIY forum for tips on building a sump. Easy peasy.

Post pics of the overflow in the 100g for more accurate advice.

 

[FishingOut]

%25 every week would be less stressful on the fish.

In my own personal experience, Female cons dont do well in communities. I've noticed if they dont have a mate, they get way to pushing trying to breed.

Once those african cichlids mature they will get extremely aggressive. and O's and JD are pretty laid back fish.

You dont want to feed you fish live food. Ever really. Crickets and worms for fish occasionally but thats really all you want to do. No feeders or anything like that. Brine shrimps every other day and pellets twice a day sounds like a good staple diet. Not for the african fish, but for your CA/SA.

Hope I could answer some of your questions.
Ohh yeah, get them in the 100gal asap.

 

[brockfishhawk]

In the meantime of getting sand and all the other parts ready for setting up the 100+ gallon tank, I put my 100 gallon on craigslist for barter and I might end up with a 135 gallon oceanic tank. Thats pretty excitig.