cichlids for a 180gal.

YoungO

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Jul 11, 2004
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i was wondering what kind of other cichlids i could keep in a 180gal. if i already have 3 oscars in it?
 
Considering that the minimum tank size for an oscar is 55 gallons, you are pretty well stocked. Might consider getting a bottom feeder to put in with them.
 
With three cichlids that could attain 15 inches in total length, I would say add dithers and bottom feeders at this point...if you haven't done so already.

A large pleco, a large cat from the pimeloid family, some silver dollars and tinfoil barbs...you get the idea.
 
if things go well, i will be getting a 65gal. setup as well as the 180. any ideas for that one?
 
any ideas for that one?

That's very subjective. I guess it mostly depends on what stock is available in your area and what your tap water is like. I wouldn't put any fish that grows past 8 inchs in a 3 foot tank.

If you want something a little different than what you have, try African cichlids - small Mbuna - you could keep a dozen or so in that size tank.
 
If you want to breed start of with 4-6 young ones and then wait until a pair forms and remove the rest. I pair of Firemouth and a few dither fish would make a nice tank.
 
at my local petsmart there is a tank full of them and they look great. some of the brightest colors i have seen yet.
 
Firemouths are awesome, and a pair would fit in a 65, and would probably breed readily, make sure your dithers are fast fish, the firemouths will kill anything that they feel is a threat to their young.

My 67 gallon will have Angels rams and tetra's along with cories, and a lot of plants, and maybe a gourami or two ( still in the planning stages) to me that is the ideal size tank for plants and angels unless you want a large school of angelfish.

You could also go with convicts or with the africans as mentioned. I would keep my stocking ideas to fish that don't grow past 6".

As far as the Oscars and the 180, you are pretty well stocked, 15" inches isn't a norm, but they can get that big, I'd get a pleco and a couple of pictus cats or a glass cat and call it full. I'm not a big fan of most Dithers that will work with Oscars, If you only had one or two Oscars I'd suggest pearl or blue gourami's or a severum. with three you'll be crowded enough.
Dave
 
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