30g Tall Tank - Cichlids?

[nderouch]

I was given a 30g Tall tank.

I wanted to make it a cichlid tank? Is this realistic and if so how many can i keep.

Guy at the fish store said I could keep 4-5 in there if I get the ones that stay small. Does this sound reasonable?

[rithunder916]

I would either stick to Rams or Angels, the thing with Cichlids is they like swimming area, and a tall tank isn't the best for them. Angels require a tall tank, so those would work, and Rams stay small, so they dont require to much space. Right now I have a pair of angels in my 29 and they are doing pretty good!

[yhbae]

When you say cichlids do you mean African ones?

Technically, Angels and Rams are also cichlids. :)

[jpappy789]

N. multifasciatus with a julidochromis pair?

Most likely the guy at your LFS was talking about malawi cichlids, probably mbuna. Not a good idea for that size tank.

[yhbae]

30g tall is a 30x12 foot print tank, correct?

That is a bit too tight for mbunas...

[jpappy789]

I think it is 24x12 actually. Maybe not...

[yhbae]

If its 24x12, lets forget about mbuna. :)

[nderouch]

yeah it is 24x12x24

[toddnbecka]

Tall tanks are suitable for angelfish, though no more than a pair in the long haul. Otherwise, Krib's, Ram's, or Apisto's if you have soft water, African shellies if you have hard water.

[nderouch]

If I go with a pair of angels what else can i put in with them?

I think I am leaning towards the Krib's, Ram's, or Apisto's varieties. Reading about them they all seem like they stay pretty small. How many should I get? and should I get them in pairs?

I also read that it is better to introduce them all at once rather than one or two at a time - is this correct?

[jpappy789]

I'd choose one species and go for a pair (or a harem for the apistos). Add the group all at once.

You may have some room for a school of tetras or smaller barbs/rasboras.

[nderouch]

ok so if i go with a pair of rams or kribs could i put in a small school of tiger barbs?

[toddnbecka]

If you can get an established pair or trio of Apisto's you're good to go, but you may need to order them online. Krib's or Ram's are more commonly available at an lfs. If you want to establish a pair start with 5-6 juvies, then return the extras after a pair forms. It won't be difficult to tell when it happens, they'll start defending a territory together and preparing a spawning site.
Tiger barbs would be better off in a larger group, small schools tend to be less stable.

[nderouch]

where can i find them online?

[toddnbecka]

Check the Apisto folder on aquabid.com; just like e-bay, check the seller's feedback rating for an indication of relaiblilty.

[jpappy789]

Tiger barbs need more space for an acceptable group. Too small and they'll terrorize a tank.

[venarius]

I have a 29/30 gallon and I keep 1 german blue ram and 1 Apistogramma Agazzi in it in addition to a few other fish.

If you do more than one (pairs or more) I would stick to one species, and try to get only 1 male to 2 or 3 females (for the apisto).

instead of getting a few of one kind, I have the two different species afore mentioned.

Apisto is almost 2 inches (max out @ 3") and the ram is maybe an inch and a half (max out @~2.5") They are not yet full grown, but so far they seem to do just fine together. The Apisto is the dominant of the two, and he sticks down low, while the ram seems fine hangin in the middle or gowin down low.

I did 1 each of the different species because multiple males of the same species will not have enough room in a 29. The interspecies agression, although still there, seems tolerable split between the GBR and the Apisto Agazzi.

Good luck!

[rithunder916]

I would stick with the bolvian rams (spelling) they are a bit hardier, and a lot of LFS's have them. Then I'd go with a group of neons or cardinal tetras, something small and flashy. That's what i'm doing with my 30 long atleast..i was planning on two pairs of rams and going from there.


Mike