ok so i think i am ready for my first cichlid but there are just to many to read up on and research. so if i can get some ideas of what i need to be looking for it would help so much. i currently have a commun tank 68g very well filtration with 3drawer home made trickle. ph is about 7.8-8.0 . tank is well established. little driftwood live and fake plants river rock bottom and plenty of hidding spaces. all fish i have are in ranges of 2-3 inches and i do understand i will need to upgrade at some point. well i have 3 -balas 4-rosy barbs 1-betta 2-clown loaches 3-cory cats. i am looking for 1 maybe 2 cichlids that will fit in this setup for the time being. a couple of suggestions would be helpful so i can start looking around. thanks HCCC
some suggestions plz
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Bala Sharks are too large for your tank, so are the clown loaches. Clown loaches like to be in schools of AT LEAST 3, but normally people keep them in groups of 5 or more for them to do really well.
What are the dimensions of the tank? Also, do you want a cichlid that will get along with ur community setup or you don't mind them being bullied?
What are the dimensions of the tank? Also, do you want a cichlid that will get along with ur community setup or you don't mind them being bullied?
if you're definitely gonna upgrade then i'd start off with something small like a firemouth if you want an aggressive fish or if you want something peaceful and colorful maybe some kribs?
yes i would like a colorful peaceful and yes once my fish get bigger i will invest in a 125g . the dimensions are 36l 18w 21h . and what are kribs? i dont mind some what of a bullie because the rosy barbs own the tank and i hate that. the balas stick together and the barbs dont touch them.
the sharks are only 2.5 maybe i have had them about 2 months and i havnt seen the rapid growth that i was told about that scared the crap outta me. but i am ready when i feel they are getting to big i have no problem upgrading. i just know that if i get a big tank now i will end up over stocking it and then in another month i will end up wanting a 250g haha
heres a picture of kribs, and also i agree about waiting to upgrade, but make sure you DO upgrade, if you don't you're fish will have a bad life in your care. when do you plan on upgrading?
I think you should just get the 125g now, and don't overstock it... and choose something you'll really enjoy watching grow up! I still want some synspilum.. but the zonatum I have now are pretty and bright.. and crazy fast little dudes.
I agree with fishmamma, either get the 125g now or get cichlids that won't outgrow the current tank... of which you have tons of great choices btw.
Why not do a geophagus colony in the 125? They are not agressive except when breeding and you could do 5-6 in a 125 and probally keep your other fish as they will not bothe them. Check out geophagus eartheaters online. When you go with the agressive take no prisoners cichlids espicially from Central America you have have promblems even in the 125 and will probally end up with 1 cichlid runnibg the tank. I had em all all kinds of tanks and like the geos the best because you can do a colony of them.