compatibility help

[slthoeny]

So I had a properly researched list of fish and went to my lfs. That was fine. But my daughter really started wanting some cichlids. So I listened to the advice of the lfs. Now I need to find out if I am okay or have a problem. Currently all tankmates are fine. But I am beginning to think I could have problems with compatibility, as well as tanksize. Here I am for advice. I have two firemouth, one convict, and one blood parrot cichlid. They are in a 29 gallon with many hiding places. As of now they have no issues with one another. From what I have been able to find out the convict and firemouths should be fine together. The parrot may not be. Plus the parrot may get too large for this size tank.

My questions are:
Will these fish be compatable long-term?
Will this tank size be okay short-term?
Will this tank size be okay long-term?
If not what size would you reccomend?
Do these fish need aquarium salt in the water?

And in general any other advice you think I would benifit from. Thanks for your help.

I can eventually get a larger tank to house them in or separate them as needed. Thanks for all your help.

[Penfan66]

Yeah, the parrot will get too big...you should get a larger tank for him and some dithers, or take him back. The Con and FM's will probably be ok together but watch for agression. Eventually, IMO, a 29 is a little small for them together unless there are plenty of things to break up line of site.

As far as agression goes, the convict is pretty tough and will fight hard, the FM's on the other hand are more bark that bite. They try to puff up and show their 'eye' spot to chase the intruder away.

No need for salt, fish don't need it.

[slthoeny]

If my tank was large enough would the parrot, convict, and firemouths be compatable? And if so what size tank would I need? We are going to keep them all, and make the necesary arrangements to house them in the proper conditions. also what food is best for them? Thanks for your help.

[Lupin]

If my tank was large enough would the parrot, convict, and firemouths be compatable?
A 75-100 gallons is fine as long as no one spawns.
also what food is best for them?
In the long run, you want to vary their diet. Try as many foods as you can but do not stick too much on only one food. Feed them each kind of food once or twice a week. Shrimps, bloodworms, daphnia, mosquito larva, chopped earthworms et al.

[slthoeny]

Okay so if I get a 75 gallon it will house the two firemouths, convict, and parrot. Could I add anything esle with them, or would that do it?

[Lupin]

Okay so if I get a 75 gallon it will house the two firemouths, convict, and parrot. Could I add anything esle with them, or would that do it?
I wouldn't add any more in it.

[BadDogsPa]

IMO try to buy "long tanks" if possible like a 75 long will be better,giving them more room to get out of eachothers sight from time to time