Any cichlids that don't need acidic water?

[ghart999]

Hi all I am new to the aquirium world but have a 65G set up and will start putting in community fish this weekend. I plan mostly for some tetras, danios and cories. Are there any cichlids that would work in such a tank but also work in a pH around 7.4 to 7.6? If this is not possible I will forgo thinking about cichlids for now, but maybe????

Thanks a lot.

[balton777]

African or CA/SA?

[mostlycichlids]

maybe a couple of german blue rams.

[fish_freak]

Most central American cichilds, like Texas, Convict, Firemouth, Jack Dempsey ect. Its the south American ones like Discus Geographus, Angels ect that prefer soft acidic water but most chiclids will adjust to your water as long as it's not to extreme.

[mostlycichlids]

you will want to go with smaller SA/CA cichlids with the stock plans you already have.

[YoFishboy]

Hi all I am new to the aquirium world but have a 65G set up and will start putting in community fish this weekend. I plan mostly for some tetras, danios and cories. Are there any cichlids that would work in such a tank but also work in a pH around 7.4 to 7.6? If this is not possible I will forgo thinking about cichlids for now, but maybe????

Thanks a lot.

For a tank that size and with the mix you are suggesting, I would suggest a kribensis (an african riverine species) and a South American Keyhole Cichlid (perhaps the most mellow of all cichlids). Both do very well in a community tank - I love mine! Also, don't worry to much about ph - most fish can adapt to a wide range of ph levels. It usually is not an issue unless you want to breed some of the more sensitive species.

[ghart999]

For a tank that size and with the mix you are suggesting, I would suggest a kribensis (an african riverine species) and a South American Keyhole Cichlid (perhaps the most mellow of all cichlids). Both do very well in a community tank - I love mine! Also, don't worry to much about ph - most fish can adapt to a wide range of ph levels. It usually is not an issue unless you want to breed some of the more sensitive species.

Thank you all. Good to know that pH is not terribly important as long as its in the 7.6 range.

Can the keybole, kribs and rams be kept together with eachother or will they fight?

[jessicar613]

I love my keyholes! Like Fishboy said, they are the most laid back fish ever. Mine are completely peaceful in my community tank, even when spawning. They swim all over the tank, so imo in spite of their neutral coloration (which is really shiny and beautiful when they're courting, or eating, or really anything else that makes them happy - when they are mad or frightened they turn a mottled brown and hide in the back of the tank) they won't get lost in your tank. They are a little shy but will eat out of my hand. :) Lots of personality packed into a fish of manageable size.

You might try keyholes with rams, if you have plenty of available "territories'. Or two pairs of keyholes. I have kribs and I'd be a little concerned that they'd bully the more peaceful cichlids. Personally I wouldn't put them in with my keyholes.

That's just my opinion based on my pairs - so take it for what it's worth. :)

[ghart999]

I love my keyholes! Like Fishboy said, they are the most laid back fish ever. Mine are completely peaceful in my community tank, even when spawning. They swim all over the tank, so imo in spite of their neutral coloration (which is really shiny and beautiful when they're courting, or eating, or really anything else that makes them happy - when they are mad or frightened they turn a mottled brown and hide in the back of the tank) they won't get lost in your tank. They are a little shy but will eat out of my hand. :) Lots of personality packed into a fish of manageable size.

You might try keyholes with rams, if you have plenty of available "territories'. Or two pairs of keyholes. I have kribs and I'd be a little concerned that they'd bully the more peaceful cichlids. Personally I wouldn't put them in with my keyholes.

That's just my opinion based on my pairs - so take it for what it's worth. :)


OK. So some keyholes it is. I will do 3-4 after I get my tank fully established. I will have some nice rock caves and a huge piece of driftwood, so hopefully that will make them happy.

[jessicar613]

OK. So some keyholes it is. I will do 3-4 after I get my tank fully established. I will have some nice rock caves and a huge piece of driftwood, so hopefully that will make them happy.

Great! I think you'll like them. Mine love to graze on java moss; they even dug a moss "cave". You could tuck some in the rocks and they'd have a field day.

[Jayhawk]

Don't know if anyone has said this yet about rams, but Bolivian rams are much hardier and would love your pH. German/blue/gold rams really are happiest in lower pH and are more fragile. Bolivians would do well with keyholes.

Eric

[Star_Rider]

yup , keyholes and bolivian rams do fine with each other..however, keyholes have been known to pack hunt neons at night:) :eek:

[ghart999]

yup , keyholes and bolivian rams do fine with each other..however, keyholes have been known to pack hunt neons at night:) :eek:

Well sad news. I called all 6 fish shops in the metro denver area and none of them carry bolivian or keyhole cichlids. All I can find are golden and blue rams. What to do........

[YoFishboy]

Are there any aquarium or cichlid clubs in your area? If there are, you might be able to find a local breeder, and odds are the stock would be much better than in the stores.

[harles2000]

Keyholes are good - I had them at one point, but the male I had ended up being a bit territorial. another suggestion would be to get rainbow cichlids - these are the most peaceful cichlids I have ever owned - even when spawning they never did more than just chase curious fish away from their nesting site. Rainbows can be very pretty too - they tend to be a yellowish body with dark black lines and/or splotches, and will have a very nice bluish hue to their fins. you could probably do a pair of keyholes and a pair of rainbows, this way you have a little variety.

[ghart999]

Keyholes are good - I had them at one point, but the male I had ended up being a bit territorial. another suggestion would be to get rainbow cichlids - these are the most peaceful cichlids I have ever owned - even when spawning they never did more than just chase curious fish away from their nesting site. Rainbows can be very pretty too - they tend to be a yellowish body with dark black lines and/or splotches, and will have a very nice bluish hue to their fins. you could probably do a pair of keyholes and a pair of rainbows, this way you have a little variety.

Thanks for the suggestion.... I will look for them as well.