Cichlid newbie question

[ggrowney]

Can I run gold head comps in a tank that already has a pair of corydoras? I have a nice rock pile with hiding spaces. Will the cichlids murder them???

 

[liv2padl]

Altolamprologus compressiceps, as most Tanganyikan cichlids, do best in water with a pH of 8.5-9.4, a hardness of 240-320 and a kH of 180-240 ppm. corydoras certainly will not prefer this water chemistry.

 

[ggrowney]

Ok. So doing a little research here. The Malawi seem to be home in more alkaline waters than other cichlids. Correct me if I am wrong, if I posed the same question to a South American cichlid the answer would be more favorable as they can thrive in a neutral/acidic environment.

Any issues of the territory of the cichlids with the peaceful corydoras?

 

[~*LuvMyKribs*~]

What size tank is it?


-Diana

 

[ggrowney]

Tank

It's only 12 g. I am realizing that this may not pan out until I get my next aquarium.

 

[wwildcats04]

in a way the answer would be more favorable but most south/central american cichlids are either dwarfs or get HUGE. The dwarfs all HATE corys

 

[~*LuvMyKribs*~]

It's only 12 g. I am realizing that this may not pan out until I get my next aquarium.

You are very limited cichlid-wise in that size tank. A pair of apistogramma may work, but I'm not sure if they'd work with the cories or not. Basically any bottom dwelling cichlid that is territorial will pick on the cories, especially in such a small tank.

-Diana

 

[ggrowney]

Cichlids

I appreciate the thoughts. I got the corys cause they are so easy, but I think th esize and fact that they are there will make me rethink my cichlid goal. No fun having fish hate each other.

 

[mooman]

I've started keeping some keyhole cichlids, and they seem to be breaking the mold when it comes to conspecific aggression in dwarfs, but I don't know if they would be equally peaceful with cories. You would also only want to keep only one as a centerpiece as they get 3-4in. Very slow deliberate swimmers though.

12g is perfect for most dwarfs, but the corys will need to be traded in for most species. Trust me when I tell you, they will be far more rewarding. Just don't start with blue rams. they're reputation as a good "beginner dwarf" is based on their price and availability, not hardieness.

Not looking to breed. A single apisto male and 5 tetras all of the same species would make a stunning display IMO.