Hi. I have an empty tank and while at first I wasn't planning to, I'm thinking of making it home for a couple of cichlids (probably dwarf size). I'd like them to grow to a max of 4-5 inches. I haven't begun cycling but was wondering what is the best fish to cycle with if planning to house cichlids. I would like to leave the cycling fish in the same tank. Also, I plan to get a pleco w/ the cichlids--just making sure this is okay.
Best fish for cycling
- Thread starter emmaS
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I don't have advice about fish for a tank cycle but I do have a cichlid suggestion. I have a 37 gallon and have 9 Pseudotropheus Saulosi. I got them as babies and they are hardy and fun. They are not as aggressive as other cichlids. I only have saulosi because I have a relatively small tank and only wanted fish that stayed small, under 4". The nice thing about this fish is the males turn blue and the females yellow. I read that the females were orange yellow but mine are not very orange.
I doubt that you will find them in your LFS. I googled "cichlid and my state" and found a breeder a few hours away.
I painted the tank back black and have sand and tufa and it's pretty. They are not messy and don't hide in caves unless sleeping. They are all over the tank and chase but don't nip. The largest is 3 inches now and mature.
Sorry for the long post. I just wanted to give you an option that has worked well for me.
I doubt that you will find them in your LFS. I googled "cichlid and my state" and found a breeder a few hours away.
I painted the tank back black and have sand and tufa and it's pretty. They are not messy and don't hide in caves unless sleeping. They are all over the tank and chase but don't nip. The largest is 3 inches now and mature.
Sorry for the long post. I just wanted to give you an option that has worked well for me.
Better off with fishless cycling: less time, less chance of injury/death of fish:
[I've done fishy, seeded media, and Bio Spira. Last two took 2 to 5 days.] Good luck!!
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84598
[I've done fishy, seeded media, and Bio Spira. Last two took 2 to 5 days.] Good luck!!
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84598
Since you already have established tanks, I'd suggest putting the new filter on one of the established tanks, possibly moving some of the gravel, plants, etc from an older tank as well.
Blue acaras would be in your size range, and are beautiful fish once they settle in.
Blue acaras would be in your size range, and are beautiful fish once they settle in.
hey there the best fish that i have found for cycling with is electric yellows. Because they have been bread so heavily in captivity they have evolved into a very hardy fish. some thing else to consider would be to take some matured media from one of your existing filters and put that in your new filter, also using water from an existing tank will also help easiest way to do this is when ever you do your next water change
I suggest putting media from your established tank into your new one. Like fleur said, add some gravel and rocks as well. Feed the tank as though fish were in it to provide some ammonia. I did this recently on a 29 gallon and it cycled in around a week.
I would do some research on what cichlids to put in your tank, choices are limited with a 29 gallon.
I would do some research on what cichlids to put in your tank, choices are limited with a 29 gallon.
A lfs I used to visit used cocktail shrimp.Sound crazy but they swore it worked.With the last tank I put together, I used some water from an established tank and some of the spent carbon.It's been running for a few months with no problems.
Yup, Ive heard shrimp works well. You basically just need something to produce ammonia(shrimp, uneaten food, etc).
