yeah, i'm a noobie (20 gal tank help!)

[mizzi]

hey, there. i'm brand new to the world of aquaria and was given a 20 gallon tank with all the essentials.

anyhow, i really like the idea of getting cichlids but i'm afraid my tanks is too small...at least based on what information i've read. ideally i'd like 2 fish in the tank...but if that cant be done, oh well...

i'd like to get something other than the run of the mill/standard fish. something less popular would be awesome. any suggestions in the cichlid realm or other? something with some personality would be great

anyway, thank you in advance very much for your help.

—Mark

 

[Mgamer20o0]

what about a pair of rams?

 

[Rbishop]

Rams or apistos

 

[ct-death]

Welcome to AC

Rams and the other "dwarf" cichlids are a good bet. There are exceptions, but most cichlids in this class would be fine unless you decide to add other species.

The Rams are a good choice (and have great color) beause you can add other species if you chose to later on

There are some pretty neat fish out there that are very unique!! I haven't looked into them only beacuse I have community tanks

 

[Pallen81]

rams or apistos. there are lots of different kinds of apistos to choose from. the colors range from okay to extremely awesome!

Almost any other type of cichlid and you are talking big big size.

as with any fish, gotta keep the water quality nice and good for them. especially the rams IMO.

 

[Ketso]

Welcome to AC.

Be sure to check out the stickies at the top of this forum. Specifically the ones on cycling your tank.

After your tank is cycled, rams would be cool. German Blue or even Bolivian rams.

 

[mizzi]

thank you all for the warm welcome and awesome information. i took some time and read through the stickies, that was great info as well. i'm beginning the cycling process this evening

i'll be sure and look for the rams or apistos when i am ready to buy. i've still got some research to do but have already learned so much just from wandering the forums.

again, thank you very much for the info and if there's any further info you think i should know prior to diving into this i'd appreciate that too! i'll be checking back.

 

[musho3210]

Bolivian rams, my favorite dwarf cichlid

 

[mizzi]

are Rams as hard to care for as i've just found by googling? i dont intend to keep poor water conditions for any fish i decide on but to start out, i'd like something somewhat resilient lol

 

[musho3210]

are Rams as hard to care for as i've just found by googling? i dont intend to keep poor water conditions for any fish i decide on but to start out, i'd like something somewhat resilient lol

Blue rams are a bit fragile, bolivians are hardier, no i wouldnt say there hard to take care of, if you have the right water parameters in the beginning (soft water) then it should all be good.