Tiny cichlids in a tiny aquarium?

[TheKingOfDaFishes]

I recently saw some tiny cichlids at Petsmart (About .5"-1" long) They're not specifically labeled unfortunately, but I can tell between a few uniquely colored common types. I have a 10 gallon aquarium and was wondering if I could temporarily keep them happy. They will only be in it for two-five months. The SMALLEST aquarium they will ever be kept in after that is a 40 gallon. The tank is already cycled and aged for some time. Are cichlids aggressive when they are that small or will I have to be careful? I've had a decent amount of experience in the hobby and have lots of supplies on hand including 2 five gallon backup aquariums.

 

[GamerChick5567]

Depending on the species they can be a bit agressive even that young. Had a little 1" convict I gave to the lfs that was a meanie! Kept getting in fights with my other 2" female and eating any other fry smaller than her haha.

And yeah, you should be able to keep the fry in the 10 gallon no problem. Just keep up on water changes if there is a lot of them. It sounds like they are probably the "mixed african cichlids", usually I see all sorts of babies at the petco near me. They are probably hybrids though of several different ones. Also, once they get bigger that 40 should be fine if the fish stay around 6". I'm guessing it's a 40 breeder? Decent dimensions.

 

[tlindsey]

Sounds like African Cichlid Mbuna fry very aggressive personally would research prior to purchase imo not a beginner species.

 

[TheKingOfDaFishes]

Depending on the species they can be a bit agressive even that young. Had a little 1" convict I gave to the lfs that was a meanie! Kept getting in fights with my other 2" female and eating any other fry smaller than her haha.

And yeah, you should be able to keep the fry in the 10 gallon no problem. Just keep up on water changes if there is a lot of them. It sounds like they are probably the "mixed african cichlids", usually I see all sorts of babies at the petco near me. They are probably hybrids though of several different ones. Also, once they get bigger that 40 should be fine if the fish stay around 6". I'm guessing it's a 40 breeder? Decent dimensions.

The 40 is a breeder. So, with lots of water changes and work (which I am used to doing) would keeping like 10-15 together with lots of hiding disperse the aggression?

 

[TheKingOfDaFishes]

Sounds like African Cichlid Mbuna fry very aggressive personally would research prior to purchase imo not a beginner species.

The cichlids are separated by mumba and other mixed Africans and i'll be getting the mixed ones and cross my fingers.

 

[markstrimaran]

Do some research.
I start my fry in a 1/2 gallon tank for 2 weeks.
Then about a month in a 2.5 gallon up to 3/4" long.
Then into a 24" x 24" cube 30 gallon. Until their 1.25" about 4 months.
Then into a 75 gallon.
Yes it is doable if your able to upgrade as they grow out.

 

[GamerChick5567]

The 40 is a breeder. So, with lots of water changes and work (which I am used to doing) would keeping like 10-15 together with lots of hiding disperse the aggression?

I'd think they would be if you have the filtration to handle the bioload of the tank. Just be aware if they breed you will probably need dividers handy or another tank.

 

[Fish on Fire]

It's fine to grow them out in there and move them over later on.

 

[J. H.]

Depending on the species they can be a bit agressive even that young. Had a little 1" convict I gave to the lfs that was a meanie! Kept getting in fights with my other 2" female and eating any other fry smaller than her haha.

I agree with that. A friend of my father's once gave him five 1.5-2" convict fry, and he put them in the family 55g while I was in the dorm. Before my mother found out and had them removed, they had mauled everything besides the silver dollars, black skirts, giant danio, and baby channelcat to death. They even killed a 4" pleco.

 

[GamerChick5567]

They always look so cute and are so vicious! LOL.