Blue Acara

[Waylander]

What would be the minimum tank size for a Blue Acara?

I have approximately 36"Lx14"Wx20"H ~40 gallon tank. Would this be sufficient or not? Just wondering...

Thanks,

Kieren

 

[YoFishboy]

Blue Acaras are definately a classic fish, a more peaceful cichlid, one of my favorites....Your tank size would be fine - 6 inches in captivity is the largest I have seen. What else are you thinking of putting with it?

 

[Waylander]

The ones in one of my LFSs (one I don't visit so regularly) were fairly stunning, I hadn't even considered them before I saw them there.

I'm glad you think the tank size would work alright. I thought I'd better check with you guys to make sure.

It's planned tankmates are a Firemouth, a couple of Keyhole Cichlids, an SAE and an African Butterfly Fish. Maybe a few smaller corys. Would this work alright? I figured they are all fish that can either hold their own, won't get in each others way, or are easily capable of getting out of the way if need be.

The tank is going to be quite well planted (in progress), and has extensive driftwood for establishing territory and hidey holes. I'll try and get a picture to show you guys.

What do you think?

 

[Waylander]

Picture:

 

[Rbishop]

I think the Blue Acara will do fine there. Not real comfortable with the ABF in your mix. I would probably forego the cory in favor of Syds for the bottom.

Get us some pics when you are set up!

 

[Waylander]

Thanks for the reply.

What makes you uncomfortable about the ABF? Is that just in regards to the Blue Acara or in general? My LFS is taking a while to get the ABF in and they say their suppliers don't often stock them, so I may not ever end up getting it . But if I do, I could try them out and seperate them if it doesn't work out. But if there's a good chance they won't be friendly I might just forego the ABF.

Also what do you mean by Syds?

I'll be sure to get onto the pictures when I've got it all up and going

 

[Jayhawk]

I've kept ABFs with kribs before with no problems, but my guess is the poster was concerned the acara or firemouth might find that tailfin worth tasting.

ABFs are cool fish. If you you try them out make sure there is NO hole up top of your tank. Mine made it through a hole about 1" wide and two inches long where the water was returning to the tank from my HOB filter. They're great fish, but don't do well on your floor. I think one would be fine in your 15 gallon (although you'd have less platy fry) if it didn't work out in the bigger tank.

Eric