I have 4 new cichlids in my brand new tank...now what!??!?

  • Get the NEW AquariaCentral iOS app --> http://itunes.apple.com/app/id1227181058 // Android version will be out soon!

cichlidfirsttimer

AC Members
Dec 28, 2016
19
1
3
47
So I've done a lot of research, but there's not a lot of advice out there about how often I should be getting new fish to get my tank "overstocked."

I bought 4 fish to start with today.
2 Albino Metraclima Pyrsonotos
2 Pseudotropheus Crabro

One calculator tells me to get 27 fish because my tank is 55 gallons, a different site says 64 inches of fish once they are full grown adults.

Nowhere does it tell me how to not have casualties of war when adding fish. I know I can't just add one at a time and that 4-6 is a better number.

Please be gentle... I may have bought the wrong fish but I am learning and I had to start somewhere. There is not a lot of selection here, so I may just order some custom from the store.
 

Tifftastic

"With your powers combined . . ."
Sep 9, 2008
1,769
344
92
37
Glasgow, Scotland
Real Name
Tiff
Your water parameters will tell you when you can add fish. Additionally, these fish are fairly aggressive and you'll need to be careful to rearrange the decor when you next add fish as well as to not add a species that is much more peaceful than these two.
With mains you'll want to over crowd a bit to reduce aggression, but you have to make sure you're keeping up with water changes and that your filtration can handle it. With the fish you have I'd say you max out at maybe 10 fish at the most? Maybe 12. . . But probably 10 or less. But that's on my opinion. Someone else might have a different one.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Frank Castle

cichlidfirsttimer

AC Members
Dec 28, 2016
19
1
3
47
Well shoot!! I wanted as peaceful a cichlid tank I could get. The info I read on each said maybe the albino red fin zebras were mildly aggressive and the bumblebees aggressive...
I was going to add some Labidochromis Caeruleus Nkhata Bay and some Lodotropheus Sprengerae, but I think those are both peaceful...
What about some Pseudotroheus Acei?

Why do you only suggest 10? I thought that I was supposed to load up the tank?
 

Tifftastic

"With your powers combined . . ."
Sep 9, 2008
1,769
344
92
37
Glasgow, Scotland
Real Name
Tiff
With each of the fish getting about 6 inches and having fairly thick bodies, producing a decent amount of waste and having fairly good size territories, 10 or so is over crowding IMO.
 

Tifftastic

"With your powers combined . . ."
Sep 9, 2008
1,769
344
92
37
Glasgow, Scotland
Real Name
Tiff
For example, I don't have a full tank shot, but you can see from the side that this tank is crowded. It contains 15 Dimidiochromis compressiceps that are 4-6 inches long. The tank is just slightly taller than your average 55 gal (custom made for the aquarium room I work in). Only 9 of the fish are in the pic as the other 6 have claimed the bottom as their territory. If this tank were in my home, it would be no where near as crowded for the sake of the fish's health mainly. Luckily this is on a huge filter, wit a 300 gallon sump, keeping the parameters in check.20161208_123942.jpg
 

cichlidfirsttimer

AC Members
Dec 28, 2016
19
1
3
47
So do you suggest that I now get a couple labdichromis caeruleus and some lodiotropheus sprenerae because they are more peaceful?
 

FreshyFresh

Global Moderator
Staff member
Jan 11, 2013
5,075
850
144
West Falls NY
Real Name
Joel
-firsttimer welcome!

Sounds like an interesting setup/plan you've got going on. It's always hit/miss with groups of aggressive fish. A lot of variable at play.

Did you cycle your tank? Got a test kit for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Frank Castle

cichlidfirsttimer

AC Members
Dec 28, 2016
19
1
3
47
Love your choice of words freshyfresh...I think i'm in WAY over my head! I got my water tested at a very reputable aquarium store that said it was good. I am feeling like maybe I should have added more fish at a time than just 4.
I am going to pick up a test kit today because i'm not going to be running to the store every time i need tests done.

Any suggestions for fish to add...I'm dying to get more.. I knew I should have asked more questions before I bit the bullet.
 

FreshyFresh

Global Moderator
Staff member
Jan 11, 2013
5,075
850
144
West Falls NY
Real Name
Joel
So it sounds like you haven't yet established a nitrogen cycle in your tank? I wound not add any more fish until you do so.

I wound't recommend relying on a fish store for water parameter measurement. You're going to want to buy/mailorder an API master test kit. $25-30, but it will last for years.

In the meantime you'll want to do water changes often. Like several times per week.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Frank Castle

cichlidfirsttimer

AC Members
Dec 28, 2016
19
1
3
47
Our tank is used and he gave us the filter to go with it including some gross looking filters to help get the new tank cycled quicker. I waited a week or so and took the water in after it was clear and the store said it was good. I do plan on getting a test kit for sure.
What made you think that I didn't cycle the tank?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Frank Castle
zoomed.com
hikariusa.com
aqaimports.com
Store