pike cichlid questions

[adamsfishes]

Hi,

I have some questions about pike cichlids.

I'm pretty much set on getting a 125 (standard 72"x18"), and I'm considering some different stocking options, one being a pair of pike cichlids and maybe a tank mate or two. Pikes I'm mostly interested in are the red varieties, lenticulata, reticulata or zebra (probably cost prohibitive).

First, is this even a big enough tank for a pair of these pikes, or is a 180 required? I'd love to get a 180, but I don't think I can get it into my basement.

Second, would it be possible to add another big cichlid like a wild-caught Oscar (of comparable size) to the mix?

Lastly, how big do these guys really get in captivity?

Thanks!
-Adam

 

[mrrobxc]

The 125 is big enough. With zebrina, your tankmate options are very open as they mix with a lot of things. Lenticulata is harDer to mix. You can try it with the oscar but be prepared to move things around. Also, to get a pair, you need to buy a group.

 

[adamsfishes]

Thanks. I'm leaning toward the Adabapo 1 reds if I do pikes. Do you think they'd be ok with a wild caught Oscar?

 

[mrrobxc]

Try them out and be prepared to move the oscars. Atabapo reds are more bellicose than the zebrina.

 

[adamsfishes]

Thanks for the reply. I tested my tap water, and pH was 7.6. For that reason I'm reconsidering SA fish... leaning strongly toward CA for the tank now. Lots of great fish either way, so I'm not too upset about it. Do love the pikes though. Awesome fish.

 

[Rocksor]

PH 7.6 is not bad. Vin Kutty keeps pikes, and he has very hard water. In fact, he posted that his johanna pikes are going into breeding mode with hard water.

 

[adamsfishes]

Interesting. No HITH or any health issues?

 

[Rocksor]

No HITH issues as a result of water quality. You can find Vin on Facebook, and he runs the Pike Cichlids group.

I have an Atabapo I (red) for 2 years that I raised from 6" total length, and she is now around 11" total length, and shows no sign of HITH. I do have tannin colored water, but the GH is still around 16 degrees and the PH is around 7.8.

 

[duanes]

I have kept Uruguayan Crenicichla in very similar water to yours, pH 7.8, Total hardness 250m/L, and in a 125 without problems. But because they are of the southern South American persuasion, they were without a heater, and kept with other Uruguayan cichlids (Gymnogeophagus and Australoheros)

 

[adamsfishes]

I have an Atabapo I (red) for 2 years that I raised from 6" total length, and she is now around 11" total length, and shows no sign of HITH. I do have tannin colored water, but the GH is still around 16 degrees and the PH is around 7.8.

That's the fish I want. What size tank and what tankmates if you don't mind me asking?

I have kept Uruguayan Crenicichla in very similar water to yours, pH 7.8, Total hardness 250m/L, and in a 125 without problems.

That's cool. Looks like a sweet setup. I'm also getting a 125.

In your opinion would two Adabapo I and two Oscars be too much for a 125? Looks like you have a number of fish in the 125. I'll have a big wet/dry sump.