stocking questions

[Nicole29]

I would like to have a cichlid tank, however I only have a 33g tank. I don't know much about cichlids, but I do know that this is too small a tank for some of them.

I would like to know what cichlids would you guys stock this tank with, if you had the opportunity? From that maybe I can get a better idea of what I like. Thanks

[Star_Rider]

you could out a pair of angels i that tank. or dwarf cichlids, apisto's , rams etc.

keyholes would be good in the tank..cute little buggers..little chunks..not all that colorful but very active once they get familiar with the tank.
keyholes are one of my favorites.

they get along with many other cichlids and can be kept with some dithers(recommended) .

do you know what the hardness of your water is? pH? these parameters can also assist in deciding which ones to keep.(tho many are adaptabe to a variety of hardness)

[rmcder]

I would like to have a cichlid tank, however I only have a 33g tank. I don't know much about cichlids, but I do know that this is too small a tank for some of them.

I would like to know what cichlids would you guys stock this tank with, if you had the opportunity? From that maybe I can get a better idea of what I like. Thanks
Dimensions? Are you looking for pairs or singles (a pair takes up more space than 2 singles would)?

[Jayhawk]

Is this a 33 like mine (36" long, 12" wide, 16-17" tall - I'm too lazy to go measure it)? I think it's too shallow for a good angelfish tank - they get pretty tall.

If so, a pair of convicts, pair of firemouths (maybe, my T. ellioti were pretty bratty in the tank), 4 keyholes, 4 L. curviceps or dorsigera (any smiling acara really), apistogrammas, bolivian rams, blue rams...lots of SA choices (plus the two CAs I listed).

Or, go Tanganyikan - lots of possibilities - shell dwellers, julies, calvus or comps, brichardi, etc.

Eric

[Nicole29]

well my tank is 36" long, 12" wide, 17" tall, my GH is about 100, KH is 50 and pH is about 7.6

I would also like to have a pretty colourful tank

[nmrsco]

I would suggest a small group of kribensis, although they can be a bit aggressive. Otherwise, they are very easy and fun to keep and even breed. Pictures usually don't show their full color, but they are very pretty when they settle in- do a little research on them
Nick

[rmcder]

well my tank is 36" long, 12" wide, 17" tall, my GH is about 100, KH is 50 and pH is about 7.6

I would also like to have a pretty colourful tank
pH is on the high side, and the dimensions restrict you to a few small fish. I'd avoid pairs to reduce aggression. You'll need to check the pH requirements for the fish I'm going to list, because some may not tolerate your values. ONE from the cryptoheros group (related to convicts, but less homicidal), multispinosa, spinosissimus, keyholes (doubtful about pH), kribensis or apistos (smaller than the previous, but I'm doubtful about the pH for the apistos), . Going larger, meaning less fish: firemouth. I think that's about it. I would say a max of two firemouth, three of the midsize, or four to five of the small guys.

[Jayhawk]

A. borelli and cockatoo apistos do well at pH of 7.6.

[gabrewster]

Hello Nicole -

Considering your resources, tank size & pH in particular, I'd go with the shelldwellers. Their colors are not spectacular but their behavior is absolutely fascinating.

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/shelldweller_corner.php

My favorites are:
- Lamprologus ocellatus
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/l_ocellatus.php

- Neolamprologus brevis
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/n_brevis.php

- Neolamprologus caudopunctatus
(not a true shellie but it does exhibit many of the same habits)
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/n_caudopunctatus.php

- Neolamprologus multifasciatus
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/keeping_neo_multi.php

- Telmatochromis temporalis
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/t_temporalis_shell.php

I enjoyed them all and was successful enough to induce all except temporalis to spawn.

Good luck!

gabrewster

[Rbishop]

She may have already made her choice; the thread was from Jan 05.