I am getting a 20 gallon tall tank from my aunt. It has a nice filter with a biowheel. I was wanting to get some colorful cichlids that arent too expensive to put in my tank. I also would like to know how many i could put in before it got overcrowded. I was thinking maybe a electric yellow lab cichlid, but im not sure. What are some ideas for beatiful cichlids to put in this tank?
Beatiful Cichlid Tank
- Thread starter CCchaos04
- Start date
A 20 gallon tall tank, at least in the standard configuration, has exactly the same footprint (i.e. floorspace and surface area) as a 10 gallon tank. Thus it is a bit too small for most cichlids. You could try a pair of kribensis or Bolivian rams, with some small tetras for the midwater and upper layers. You will need to keep up on your water changes to keep those fish happy, however.
The electric yellow lab you mentioned would probably do OK in the tank, but only if you were just going to keep the one fish. More than one would be too much of a load for the tank to handle long term, both from a fish waste standpoint and from the issue of territoriality as well.
Another option would be to go with some of the very small shelldwellers from Lake Tanganyika, but they will only inhabit the bottom of the tank and require pretty specialized water conditions to thrive as well.
The electric yellow lab you mentioned would probably do OK in the tank, but only if you were just going to keep the one fish. More than one would be too much of a load for the tank to handle long term, both from a fish waste standpoint and from the issue of territoriality as well.
Another option would be to go with some of the very small shelldwellers from Lake Tanganyika, but they will only inhabit the bottom of the tank and require pretty specialized water conditions to thrive as well.
Its much easier if you get fish that thrive in the PH of your tap water. If it's in the 8 range a yellow lab would be perfect (I agree you'd probably not want more than one lab in a 20). If you have a PH lower than 7 the other fish mentioned would be a good choice. I really like my Blue rams who are very colorful and always interesting to watch.
You can also look into african tangs like shell dwelling cichlids or some of the variety of rock dwelling cichlids. Most male shellies max out at 2 inches. Look into these 2 types. Rock dwelling cichlids may be a bit costly but they hold brilliant colors. To be honest though a 20gal. tall is going to really limit you, but you can also look into south american dwarf cichlids.
Debra Mark
Wench Boots!
Yeah i've heard a few of people say that but i have a 20 gallon 'tall' tank and a standard 10 gallon right next to each other and the 20 has a larger footprint.
I just measured:
10 gallon = 10" by 20"
20 gallon 'tall' = 12" by 24"
So, not the same, but not much bigger either.
I just measured:
10 gallon = 10" by 20"
20 gallon 'tall' = 12" by 24"
So, not the same, but not much bigger either.
Harry is mixing up a 15h with the 20h. A 15g high has the identical footprint of a 10g. See:
http://faq.thekrib.com/intro-tables.html
A 20g tall is best for growing out angels or discus. Most of the water volume goes to waste. But if the tank is free, make the best of it.
http://faq.thekrib.com/intro-tables.html
A 20g tall is best for growing out angels or discus. Most of the water volume goes to waste. But if the tank is free, make the best of it.
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