Which one or no one....

[..puSkar..]

Yup, that's what I'm thinking. It would be better if I grow them out myself when I'm on my own. I have plans to set up a 15-20 gallon tank at the dorm with a single convict or maybe a pair when they'll be smaller. I'll have to make studies and fishkeeping go hand in hand as I'm going to med school and you know that most doctors study for a large chunk of their lives. Study and fishkeeping is what I do. I don't vest my time in things that young people my age do cause some of those seem stupid ?

 

[Deadeye]

Hrp may be better than convict. Same thing, just smaller and less aggressive. I’d be more comfortable with a pair of those in a 20 than convicts.

 

[Niki_up]

Honestly you have received very good information here and warnings against the fish you have chosen bc simply, yes, they will absolutely outgrow a 40b in two years.

I see one of your questions was not answered and I think you know the answer but a 40b is also too small for an Oscar for life.

if you put any fish on your list in the 40b (minus the fronts, the fronts are extremely slow growers) they will be stunted within the first year. You will see health problems and potentially lose the fish in question…not to mention you won’t even be around to watch them grow, monitor for health problems, or even ensure the tank is receiving the proper maintenance.

 

[Gourami Swami]

Agree with what has been stated, the fish you listed all grow pretty quickly (except the frontosa perhaps), and within 2 years would have long outgrown a 40 breeder.
I also wouldn't count on your dad to do the maintenance consistently, or do as good of a job as you would yourself. Will be a chore to him, maintenance on 3 tanks is quite a lot. Will he really want to do that every week for 2 years? I wouldn't ask another to do something like that personally.

I can relate to you because I also had to put my fishkeeping on halt for college in the past, sold my big tanks and kept a 15 gallon in my dorm with convicts. Nowadays, jobs and other things in life have come inbetween myself and the hobby. Currently downsizing my reef tank because my career has picked up and don't have the time to keep it in top shape anymore. It sucks, but just remember this hobby is a long haul, and you will have plenty of time after school when you have a more stable living situation, to have all the fish you want.
Cheers
GS

 

[Rass]

I can vouch for the Rainbow cichlids. Wonderful cichlids that would do great in a 40b, plus they are peaceful enough to live with my angels and tetras in a 72 bow with no issues, even when they are spawning. I've taken major interest in amatitlania and cryptoheros species also. Many great looking species to be had there that could could stay in a 40, although some would do better in a 75.

 

[..puSkar..]

Oscar

Sorry but I wrote" oscura heterospila"

oscura heterospila

 

[Niki_up]

Sorry but I wrote" oscura heterospila"

Awe haha my brain read Oscar ?

 

[neutrino]

Agree with comments above. My only add is Cyphotilapia (frontosa) males are very capable of reaching 6+ inches at one year and 8+ inches their second year, females somewhat smaller. This for a chunky fish. This has been very consistent for me in over 20 years keeping them. So their 'slow growing' reputation among some is either a) not growing at their potential rate for some people for one reason or another b) since they're a long lived fish, it can take them 4-5 years to get near the full adult size, 11-12 inches (or more) for males, females smaller. After 5 years or so they continue to grow, but much more slowly.