View Full Version : cichlids for a 180gal.
YoungO
07-17-2004, 9:02 PM
i was wondering what kind of other cichlids i could keep in a 180gal. if i already have 3 oscars in it?
jdheff1982
07-18-2004, 12:07 AM
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.
NickH
07-18-2004, 12:28 PM
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.
YoungO
07-18-2004, 3:24 PM
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.
YoungO
07-18-2004, 10:35 PM
if i were to keep firemouths in the 65gal. how many could i have?
Reiner
07-19-2004, 1:12 PM
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.
YoungO
07-19-2004, 2:30 PM
at my local petsmart there is a tank full of them and they look great. some of the brightest colors i have seen yet.
daveedka
07-20-2004, 7:36 AM
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