Which one?

[goldenchld24]

Hi, I'm new I just got back into the hobby I got a 20 gallon hex tank its finishing cycling with 2 dwarf gouramis and 2 female bettas. However I have hard water and a lot of fish don't thrive in my water even with ph adjusting agents. But ive researched and Cichlids are supposed to like hard alkaline water and are great little fishes. Any suggestions on a smaller species for my tank would be appreciated :) Thanks


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[managuense]

If you have plans to get a bigger tank pic anything! but if you just want to keep the 20gal id say... :fairy: a pair of convicts meybe even some jewel cichlids
kyle :clap:

[goldenchld24]

Thanks, I am going to stay with the 20g I dont have any wall space! Just wanted a cichlid friend for my little gouramis.



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[liv2padl]

while there are many cichlids that appreciate hard, alkaline water (east African cichlids for example), there are just as many that definitely do not (most of the west african species for example).

in my opinion, a 'cichlid friend' for a gourami in twenty gallons isn't particualrly user friendly. a gourami is a slow and rather shy species while most cichlids are more belicose. moreover, a 'hex' tank has significantly less surface area than a standard shape and thus can hold fewer fish.

i'd suggest that 'jewel' cichlids are definitely NOT a good match. there are about 9 different "jewel" species and i think ALL of them are VERY aggressively territorial when spawning. they'll make mincemeat out of ALL other fish in that tank. similarly for convicts.

bottom line, i'd avoid cichlids in that tank in preference to perhaps a few corydoras catfish.

[~*LuvMyKribs*~]

I agree with liv2padl, I would not add any cichlids to your tank the way it is now. If you were to remove your current fish you may be able to keep a pair of something or some shelldwellers, but not with the bettas and gouramis.

-Diana

[goldenchld24]

Cool thanks, I might just add some female dwarf gouramis instead, and maybe some dwarf rainbows. Thanks,


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