convicts

[redwing191]

what is the minimum tank size for a pair of convict cichlids.

[Molino]

I've heard the minimum tank size is a 20 gallon long. However I have mine in a 33 gallon and even then the male beats up on his mate occaisionally.

[redwing191]

do different varieties grow to different lengths?

[Molino]

No, the different varieties (pink and normal, unless there are some I haven't heard of) all grow to the same size. The males may grow as large as 6" and the females will be smaller.

[PmAn2k3]

I reccomennd a 29 gallon or larger with about a 3 inch sand bed, with plety of caves and no live plants (cons will shred Live plants) and have fun breeding them!

[bellevilleguy]

the minumun for Convicts is a 20 gallon But a 30 long is recommended as they are middle to bottom swimmers.
I have my convicts in a 25 gallon at the moment and they have already had babies and i have only had them for 2 weeks and they are only 2" long

[ScottoMacD]

Originally posted by PmAn2k3
I reccomennd a 29 gallon or larger with about a 3 inch sand bed, with plety of caves and no live plants (cons will shred Live plants) and have fun breeding them!

The only problem with the sand is.

Convicts never stop digging. With the constant stiring of the sand on the filter flow the sand will be everywhere and the view will get quite messy. A fine to small gravel would be a much better option IMO.

As for live plants. They won't usually touch any of the anubius, or onion plants from my experience. Most other plants will be like lettuce for them just like PmAn2k3 said.

As for minimum size. A 20 gallon long is fine. Just buy yourself a piece of plastic egg crate (3 bucks at any hardware store) cut it to size (wire cutters work great) and make yourself a divider in one small end of the tank. (few inches wide is all that is needed) Cut some holes out of the egg crate just big enough for the female to escape through when the going gets tough and you will be fine.

I would also throw in a small flat piece of slate for the eggs.