south american cichlid advice

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J

jerod21

Feeder Fish
Apr 22, 2008
1
0
0
Denver
I am new to MFK and to SA cichlids. I have a 55 gallon tank that currently has 3 red devils about 4 inches each, and i green terror about 4 inches. The green terror and 1 of the red devils force the other 2 devils to the top corner of the tank behind the power head and keep them there. I have lots of rocks, driftwood and plants for hiding spots. All of these fish have only been together in this tank for about a week.

I want to know if I should reduce the amount of fish now, if they will ever get over it, or just let nature take its course in my tank?

any and all advice is appreciated
 
I'd probably get rid of the two submissive RD's and plan on eventually getting a bigger tank for the leftover RD and GT. both those fish will probably get over 12", in the right conditions.

you could let nature take its course. "Get in where you fit in." Some people are of the opinion that's cruel, but its your tank.
 
Things are just going to get worse. Thats just too many fish and too much aggression for your 55. I would get rid of all the fish except the GT. A single full grown GT is perfect in a 55 for life. He will max out at around 10 inches.

To keep all these fish in this tank would not be "letting nature take its course." It would be very un-natural, and most of the fish will suffer.
 
I don't know if this helps but I would always suggest a backup tank for the abused and I can't keep my RD with anything, even a bigger cichlid ( jaguar, midas, etc.). She's in solitude and will stay that way. Green terrors are pretty mild. Mine is in a community
cichlid tank.
 
yes get rid of all but one ;) at very least.

Devils are commonly considered wet pets as they are single tank specimens in such a small tank. If you want to keep them.. I would suggest considering an immediate purchase of a tank in upwards of 125g or more.

Even in keeping one..will be wanting to plana larger tank for the species you've named ;)
 
Oh And Welcome to MFK!!!
 
Angler;1728334; said:
Things are just going to get worse. Thats just too many fish and too much aggression for your 55. I would get rid of all the fish except the GT. A single full grown GT is perfect in a 55 for life. He will max out at around 10 inches.

To keep all these fish in this tank would not be "letting nature take its course." It would be very un-natural, and most of the fish will suffer.
Click to expand...


you'll be fine with a RD and a GT in a 55 until they get to about 6-7", after that, go bigger. I hear GT's are supposed to be pretty viscious. my RD is probably the most easygoing of all my fish. its near impossible to predict the disposition of an individual specimen.

Judging by Angler's signature, (9 large fish, including a Jag, in a 125) you should be able to pull off a RD and a GT in a 90. Unless he has some secret to keeping the peace he's not giving up. I'd probably go the 125 route that tongue suggested, though.
 
Firstly, welcome to MFK.

Angler;1728334; said:
Things are just going to get worse. Thats just too many fish and too much aggression for your 55. I would get rid of all the fish except the GT. A single full grown GT is perfect in a 55 for life. He will max out at around 10 inches.
Click to expand...

Completely agree with this.

Lastly, a pet hate of mine is people referring to all American Cichlids as South Americans, most of them come from Central America ;)

If you've ever got any questions, feel free to ask in here; just try and do your research beforehand ;)
 
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