Which fish?

E

elmonty

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Feb 24, 2004
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Cichlids OK for 29 gal community?

I'm just getting started. I have a 29 gallon freshwater tank. I'd like some medium-sized fish and possibly a small school of small-to-medium fish.

I'm considering a pair of kribensis, but the Electric Yellow Cichlid also caught my eye. I keep reading, however, about how difficult cichlids are. I'd like at least 2 decent-size fish, plus a few others for variety. I like how colorful the cichlids are.

Are there any other fish that are comparable in size and color that would work in my setup?
 
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Hello There

Kribensis are a good starter Cichlid. They're not too difficult to care for, well not in my experience!

Are there any other fish that are comparable in size and color that would work in my setup?
Click to expand...

You can get good sized Mollies in a whole array of colours. They are simple to keep and breed easily too.
 
I have a buddy that keeps Kribs in a community tank with much smaller fish, and they seem to get along fine. He also tends to go through periods of infrequent maintanence, and they seem to do alright. So I think you'd be fine with some of those. I'd steer clear of the Electric Yellow, however, if you want to place smaller fish in the tank and have peace. IME they can be a bit mean once they get full grown. Be careful with Cichlids in general, many are territorial and not good community tank candidates. One other besides the Kribs you can keep though and they are peaceful, and very colorful, yet a bit on the smaller size, are Rams (they come in several varieties, my favorite being the German Dwarf). HTH
 
Not that there is anything wrong with kribs, but I kinda prefer german rams. My advise for a 30 gallon would be along the lines of 3 of your favorite cory species, 6 harlequin raspbora, 6 of another small schooler (many tetra breeds), and either a single male german ram or a pair (one male on female) of german rams. One thing to make certain of is enough cover for the schoolers if the rams decide to spawn.
 
Okay, here's my new plan for my 29 gal... Some combination of Rams, Rainbowfish, and cats/cories/algae eaters. Possibly a Gourami or 2 if there's enough room. Or a larger cat.

Comments? Which would be a good starter fish (and plant) for cycling?
 
If your just starting and have no fish yet I'd say read up on fishless cycling. If you already have and would rather do it with fish I generally like starting with 3 corys, but don't use really small ones like pandas. Something like peppers or julii. They will be more likely to be able to put up with the larger fish should one show aggression for some reason.
 
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