mixing cichlids

[bigbru]

First post on here, awesome site. I currently have a 55 gal setup with mixed africans, a friend wants to give me a Jack Demp. My africans are in the 2.5" to 4" range, the jack is about 4". Just wondering if you all think this will work. The mix I have right are: bumblee, kenyi, ice blue zebra(i think), cobalt blue 2 yellow labs,a jewel and one I am not sure of. I know some people do mix, just wanted some opinions. Thanks

[Weezer]

Hello.....:welcome:

[DeRo316]

I would only think about doing it temperarily, I would try to get the JD its own tank. I can think of 2 possibilities, the africans gang up on the JD, or the JD grows then starts picking on the africans.....lose lose. The water requirements for both are different but its not a HUGE deal, but like I said IMO nothing long term.

[mee-mee]

Just like DeRo said the JD is a New World cichlid and should be in a tank all by itself...the pH for Jd's is approximately 7.0 and they are known to eat live fish even other cichlids...so go with the setup very temporarily, and try and get a different tank for the JD asap...or you will start to lose the other cichlids (just like DeRo said)....good luck...

and Welcome to the AC...great place to be...:welcome:

[mee-mee]

Alot of nice people here to help in any way, shape, or form...

[bigbru]

Thanks for the replies, That what I was thinking also. If I could get a few months with them togeter I could get another tank setup by then. Looking foward to visiting this site often:headbang2:

[Coler]

Hi & Welcome :)

I wouldn't risk it if I was you...different water parameters etc. although that's not insurmountable. I would just be worried for what sounds like a lovely tank with great fish.

Any chance your friend could hold on a couple of months until you get that new tank ? If not I'd pass...JD's are not hard to come by generally

[African Dick]

I would toss the JD. They are a dime a dozen. The most popular cihclid around me next to oscars.

[newsom00]

yeah u should get it in a seperate tank

[MbunaFishKeeper]

i think that if you want the JD you should get it a different tank atleast 55g preferably 75g+. its up to you but i would not risk putting the JD in there.

[rbishop]

I would pass it up and wait until you have another tank.

[magakitty]

The Jewel is the one I'd worry about

[dent20]

How does the jewel cichlid do in your tank? I tried to buy one recently and the store employee warned me away from it. I have a new world tank and didn't realize the jewel was African, which partially explains her caution, but she also described the jewel as having a personality comparable to that of a piranha. I'm thinking about getting a second tank for Africans and the jewel cichlid would still be first on my list of fish I want to buy unless it's just too violent.

[Ruben Tolon]

How does the jewel cichlid do in your tank? I tried to buy one recently and the store employee warned me away from it. I have a new world tank and didn't realize the jewel was African, which partially explains her caution, but she also described the jewel as having a personality comparable to that of a piranha. I'm thinking about getting a second tank for Africans and the jewel cichlid would still be first on my list of fish I want to buy unless it's just too violent.

I didn't know jewels are that skittish.

[dent20]

Maybe she was exaggerating. She was pretty young, but seemed to know her stuff, and they kept all of their jewels in a tank by themselves.

[bigbru]

Actually, my jewel is pretty passive. My Kenyi is the bully of the tank, But I have never had any major fights. I had heard stories about how aggressive the bumblee cichlid is, but he is not bad at all. I used to have 3 cory cats in there but their eyes got pulled out. I could never see who was the culprit. :mad2: Thanks for all the replies, I think I will pass on the jack for now.

[richos]

Jewels are from zaiere (spellcheck) on the west africa coast and surrounding areas...they are NOT form the rift lakes...thats why you often see them in CA/SA set ups (similar water parameters)

[zachmorrow]

While I have no problem with people mixing african + south A. or Central A. cichlids, the jack dems will get too large for the tank + other cichlids in a hurry. I wouldn't suggest it. the largest fish I 'd put in there is 6 in.

[dent20]

Jewels are from zaiere (spellcheck) on the west africa coast and surrounding areas...they are NOT form the rift lakes...thats why you often see them in CA/SA set ups (similar water parameters)

Seriously? I have a CA/SA set up and really want a Jewel. So was I totally misinformed?