Possible?

xoparis

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Sep 16, 2008
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Is it possible to keep a small number of cichlids(or something similar??) in a 10g heavily planted tank? It was just an idea of mine and I was curious.
 
I can't think of the cichlid that would fit there. There are some tanganyikan shell dwellers that suit small tanks but even then 15 - 20g would be nicer.

What you could consider in a 10G heavily planted is dwarf puffers...tons of personality and super cute. I don't know how many would be good for that size tank but they would really like the planted environment and it would help with their messy habits as snail eaters, I think.
 
i have 2 aulonocaras in a 20 gal. they seem to like it. but ive been waiting for a good deal on craigslist for a 55 gal to give them a perma home
 
Heavily planted means there's even less swimming space for the fish. If you take into account graval, plants space, water level, etc, its going to feel like 6 gallons for any fish in there.

20 gallons is bare minimum, and with that size you'll most likely have to upgrade when they grow. Some websites will state some dwarfs being able to live in a 20, but that just isn't true from my experience. Once a cichlid feels "cramped," it will turn extremely aggressive and territorial, including the "peaceful" cichlids. The unfortunate part is that once a cichlid becomes this way, the change is often permanent, even if you move it to a bigger tank.

Also, many cichlids will chew up your plants...
 
I can't think of the cichlid that would fit there. There are some tanganyikan shell dwellers that suit small tanks but even then 15 - 20g would be nicer.

What you could consider in a 10G heavily planted is dwarf puffers...tons of personality and super cute. I don't know how many would be good for that size tank but they would really like the planted environment and it would help with their messy habits as snail eaters, I think.

:iagree:

I personally don't recommend any cichlids for a 10 gal.
 
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