Would these cichlids work together?

[Lady G]

Ok this is most likely not my FINAL choice but would 2 german blue rams and 2 cockatoos work in a 30gal together? If so what bottom/top dwellers should I go with, if any? If not what would be the best cichlids to go with the german blue rams? They I think are my favorite...well I REALLY like the convict but they get a bit bigger and I don't think I could have anything else in the tank with them. Man I don't know I loved so many of them!!

Thanks again,

Gin

[MightyMetallica]

In a 30g, i don't think i would get convics unless you just want them. I currently have 7 in a 55 and they are an handfull, all of the other fish in the tank have died or jumped out. I've never kept rams before, but i hear good things and they have a nice temperment so i your tank should be fine. Bottom dweller for you probably isn't completely necessary, its more if you want one or not. In that respect, you could probably almost get anything, and for the top, maybe go with a larger tetra or danio, maybe even some tiger barbs or something. I dunno, just get the chiclids that you want, then the rest usually comes easy

[Lady G]

Yeah, I no the convicts would get to big...but man I really like them. I wont get them, because I don't want to have to go through so much (that's my problem now) SO I am goimg to get some small cichlid's...just not sure which yet. They are all so nice to look at!

Gin

[stingray4540]

the rams are great, just stay away from asian stock. Try to get some from europe, live caught, or from a local breeder.

[Lady G]

Ok, I'll keep that in mind if I do go with the Rams....thanks

[stingray4540]

Just curious, but I remember responding to a another post of yours asking about gouramis. Are the rams and/or cockatoos going in with the gouramis? I have two dwarf gouramis and 2 blue rams in the same tank that do great. My rams came from germany, I tried some rams from asia a couple of times and they didn't last 2 days. And everyone I talk to has the same prob. with asian rams.

[Lady G]

No, the gourami's are most likely going into the 55gal, once set up. But them I have seen a couple people say the would do O.K. together and I was thinking about it...just figured I'd wait and see how it all worked out.

Gin

[stingray4540]

I was just curious. do whatever you wish but just so you know they will get along. I have mine in a 30 gal along with 8 white clouds, 2 otos, and 7 shrimp.

[Lady G]

Well I might end up putting them together, they would look nice together I bet.

Thanks for the suggestion, I am ALWAYS open for suggestions!

Gin

[HolyBull]

I wouldn't risk the convict terrorizing everything. leave it out

[stingray4540]

Sorry holybull, but the rams are peacefull cichlids and I have two that don't terrorize my gouramis, white clouds, otos, darter/goby thing, or my shrimp. The only thing they will terrorize is cories.
Your welcome, I think mine look pretty good to gether, but its your tank good luck.

[Lady G]

I am not getting the convicts, I just really like them (they are on my ....someday list)! I think I will go with the rams, and my gouramis in there with them, not sure about any others.
Does anyone know if there are ANY cichlids (african or american) that could go in a community tank with balas, black skirt tetras, a rope fish, a red tail shark and a couple algea eaters? Not including my gouramis in this tank they will be with the rams. This will be a 55g with about 1.5-2 watts per gal lighting , planted, with a Emerior 400 bio-wheel filter, oh and around 200-250 watt heater (don't have that yet but still deciding on 2 small or 1 big). If this matters I will have eco-complete, small gravel and sand as a substrate (yes, I know the sand and gravel will eventually mix), but am willing to deal with that. I also know the balas can't remain 4-ever in the 55, I will either upgrade or find a new home for them (even thogh it will break my heart I LOVE THEM), when that time comes.
One other thing any recomendations on online stores, breeders, ect. to purchase and research a little more for the cichlids? Wal-mart said they can "special order" me what I want, but I don't think I want to go through them.

Thanks!!!

Gin

[stingray4540]

woops. Sorry hollybull I thought you said cichlid not convict. In that case I agree with you.

[Lady G]

I just wanted to thank everyone here for all the info and advice givin here, unfortunatly I am not going to be able to go with cichlids at this time :sad: . I went to Wal-Mart the other day and when I 'm there I always have to go by the fish...well a couple weeks ago my son had asked to get a dragon fish, I told him no because they are BW, well when I went by their tank they were all dieing and I felt so bad for them...to make a long story short I ended up buying one so I am going to have to go brackish with the tank now.

Thanks so much and sorry I wasted your time on the topic, but it will be used because once my bala's are to big for the 55 and have to be moved I will with out a doubt be making my 55 a cichlid tank...which in the long run will be better anyway, I can have more of a choice as to how many and what kind and they will be much happier in that tank I'm sure!!

Thanks again everyone you're all WONDERFUL!!

Gin :cool2:

[stingray4540]

Well good luck no problem not a waste at all now you'll know for the future.

[Lady G]

Well good luck no problem not a waste at all now you'll know for the future.
Thanks, I'm going to need it, this whole salinity thing is new to me and making my head spin!!! Not to mention trying again to research tankmates and such :eek: :thud:

Gin