Cichlid stocking ideas???

[sherryz30z]

Hello! My 50g column tank has been running for a couple of years. Just moved those guys to a long and trying to decide what to put in now. There is currently just a n. brichardi and some dithers, but those could move also as needed. So what cichlids to stock with for a colorful, active tank?

I had thought of 4" max Africans, like peacocks but not sure if a column would be too cramped for them. Any ideas? Or should I just go with tropical fish instead? I really love cichlids though. I want them to not outgrow this tank, and this location is not conducive to swapping out for a long. Thank you very much. Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

 

[dudley]

Welcome to the forum!

What are the tank dimensions?

 

[Rbishop]

Foot print will definitely be needed to accurately suggest stocking. As well as filtration that you have for it.

 

[sherryz30z]

Welcome to the forum!

What are the tank dimensions?

Oh of course, the footprint is 20"x18", and 31" tall. Thank you very much.

 

[sherryz30z]

Oh of course, the footprint is 20"x18", and 31" tall. Thank you very much.

And it's on a 50g sponge filter, and my routine is 40-50% water changes weekly.

 

[dudley]

Honestly, I would stay away from any Malawi cichlids, even the ones considered dwarf, as they seem to do better in longer tanks.

I think your tank dimensions will be limited for most colorful cichlids but hopefully someone else has some suggestions that have worked for them.

 

[The Dave]

Hello! My 50g column tank has been running for a couple of years. Just moved those guys to a long and trying to decide what to put in now. There is currently just a n. brichardi and some dithers, but those could move also as needed. So what cichlids to stock with for a colorful, active tank?

I had thought of 4" max Africans, like peacocks but not sure if a column would be too cramped for them. Any ideas? Or should I just go with tropical fish instead? I really love cichlids though. I want them to not outgrow this tank, and this location is not conducive to swapping out for a long. Thank you very much. Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

This is the largest fish in my fish room, he is also the meanest fish I have ever owned. He will not tolerate any other creature in his tank. Even snails fall victim to his wrath. So, he lives alone!

However, he is incredibly smart and beautiful. When he passes I will probably cry, and he will be the first fish that I bury in a marked grave out back of my home. Such is the love of my Jack!

https://youtu.be/QQSsx6DGXsA

 

[Tifftastic]

I would agree to stay away from Malawi's in that footprint. However, some of the Tanganyikans stay smaller and might be a good fit.

 

[sherryz30z]

Thank you everyone for your input. Okay, sounds like Malawi's are out for this tank. I will do some research on the Tang's. Happy Holidays!

 

[myswtsins]

When it comes to any cichlids the footprint is the main concern, territorial space in other words. With that foot print you will be very limited. Being more cubed than long hurts even more cause with long tanks it is easier for a fish to run and hide or break the line of sight. When you find something that you like let us know.