Which fish are easier to keep: firemouth cichlids or convict cichlids?(Also please give tips lol)

[eon aquatics]

idk but there are 11 fish in my 55 gallon and im planning on buying more tetras

 

[Deadeye]

I’d say they would be fine with a cichlid. They aren’t that dirty next to other characins and aren’t too aggressive. Tetras will occupy the top of the tank, cichlid will be more towards the bottom.

 

[jjohnwm]

I'll throw my oar into the water with the faction that is suggesting something a bit smaller than a Convict. A Rainbow (personal favourite), Nanolutea, Jewel, etc. Jewels are stunning and underrated fish.

Dithers? Go with something inexpensive... To get the most mileage from them, introduce them to the tank several days before you get your cichlid. Then, as you replenish their numbers in future , try to re-arrange tank decor with each new infusion of dither fish. It's a technique commonly used to throw established cichlids off-balance when new fish are added to their tanks; usually the new additions are more cichlids, but it's helpful no matter what you are adding.

I like the look of small and big fish together. In the past, when adding small fish to the tank of an existing cichlid or other bully-boy, I've gone to the extent of removing the big guy for a few days when the new fish are added. This gives the newbies a chance to settle in and relax a bit, rather than swimming around frantically in an unfamiliar tank signalling I'M NEW...EAT ME with every motion. If you have a quarantine tank...and you should!...this is another possible use for it.

 

[Rocksor]

I have found that the only good way to add small dithers to a tank with cichlids is to start with no less than 10. If you can do 20, even better.

Female convicts are easy to find small (less than 2") due to their orange bellies. Adding 20 guppies/swordtails/mollies with 1 female con would do well in a 55g for life.

 

[Username...]

I have found that the only good way to add small dithers to a tank with cichlids is to start with no less than 10. If you can do 20, even better.

Female convicts are easy to find small (less than 2") due to their orange bellies. Adding 20 guppies/swordtails/mollies with 1 female con would do well in a 55g for life.

This makes sense, but I don't think I can get anything bigger than a 30g lol

 

[Username...]

Also, I noticed that swordtails are very stocky so I won't be fit that many into my 29g with my HRPs.

 

[Deadeye]

As long as you have about 1 male to 3-5 females it should be good. A bn pleco would also be good for algae/uneaten food cleanup.

 

[Username...]

Ok, but should I add any (live)plants, like will the HRP not eat it or uproot it

 

[Username...]

Okay, current stocking idea is:
-1 Male Honduran Red Point
-6-7 Pineapple Swordtails (1 male only)
-1 Bristlenose pleco

 

[Username...]

Also, at this point, this thread is now just helping me stock my tank lol.