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itswoodie

itswoodie

AMMAGAD IMA NEWB
Jan 31, 2005
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What are some good rules of thumb for Cichlids? I have a populated 20 gallon (tetras and barbs) and was told it would be a bad idea to add any cichlids to it.

They are really beautiful fish. Am I going to have to get a new tank if I want one or two of em?

Sorry I know this question seems "noobish", but there is so much conflicting information on the web, and I figured you guys are the best source of facts.

Thanks for any help. :D
 
Those fish definately don't mix. The teras would be lunch in no time. I would recommend african cichlids since they are a little smaller than south american cichlids. But I suppose you could find some smaller south american cichlids. Just be sure to ask how big they get, Most south american cichlids get to be about a foot.

Don't try to grow plants, they will be uprooted and moved around. You will need lots of caves and hdiing places.

I would google around looking at different fish and start from there. There really are just too many to suggest. Maybe there is one you saw at your pet store that you particularly like? If you give the name of a fish your interested in, we will be able to help more.
 
My silver-tip tetras get along splendidly (hold their own) in a cichlid tank filled with male/female auratus, kenyis, etc.
 
In your 20 gallon you could get dwarf cichlids. Some common ones are:

-Kribensis
-German Blue Rams
-Bolivian Rams
-Apistogrammas

Google these to see some pictures.

Those cichlids do very well in community planted tanks, as they will not uproot plants and are bottom dwelling fish, as opposed to your tetras and barbs. They do not grow over 3"... and will be excellent for your 20.

A pair (1 male 1 female) of one species will be fine. Provide some caves for them to feel comfortable, using rocks or a few peices of wood.

I would not reccommend african rift-lake cichlids for such a small tank.

HTH
-Diana
 
I agree with Diana, but have a few additional species that would also fit in your tank.

Laetacara curviceps, Laetacara dorsigerus, and Anomalochromis thomasi are all very similar species that are peaceful in temperament and colorful in an understated way. They are relatively hardy, and will give you the entertainment value of cichlid behavior without the drawbacks that larger cichilds in such a small tank would entail.

They are also slightly easier to keep than apistos and rams, and smaller and less aggressive than kribensis, at least in my opinion.

You might not find them immediately, but they'd be worth waiting and watching for.
 
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