Community Cichlids?

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wolfnature

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Dec 20, 2002
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Everett, WA
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Hello everyone.

I wasn't sure if this might be better in the newbie forum, but it is related to cichlids. I am going to upgrading to a 65 gallon tank in a couple weeks and would like to set up a community tank. I have seen various things about cichlids and would appreciate some advice. I know that in general cichlids tend to be aggresive, but have heard that some aren't. I like the look of cichlids and would be interested in finding out what types (if any) would be good in a community tank. The primary fish I am concerned about them getting along with will be gouramis. Thank you in advance for your assitance and suggestions.
 
You could use some of the following with little or no trouble.
Assuming that you are talking regular sized gourami's and not dwarfs. ( I have always found dwarfs quite weak)

Rainbow cichlids
Rams
Kribs
sajicas
blue acaras
apistos
firemouth
neets
red pendex
festivum
fliers
cleithracara maronii (can't remember the common name)
angels.

There are a few others that I can't think of right now.

I have had all (except the neets) in community tanks at one time or another.

Hope this helps.

Keep in mind though. No matter what you choose to buy. DO YOUR HOMEWORK! I can't stress this enough. Nothing worse than buying a fish and then finding out the hard way that it was the wrong one. It could happen to anyone.
 
Some good thoughts there from ScottoMacD. I have a couple of questions, however. What size tank do you have currently and what fish are in it? Are you planning on moving those fish to the new tank, or keeping them where they are, or giving them back to the LFS? Finally, what kind of filtration are you currently using (this could help substantially in cycling your new tank when you get it).

Look forward to your reply.
 
Right now I have a 10 gallon tank with the following inhabitants:

2 swordtails (1 male, 1 female)
2 guppies
2 tetras
1 cory cat
1 chinese algae eater

I'm still not sure what if I am going to transfer them or leave them yet.

I currently have an UGF and a power filter and have already thought about using some of the water to help the cycling process.
 
I think that you might want to think about re-housing your CAE. Unfortunately, they are not very good at algae eating once they get bigger--as a matter of fact, they get very quarrelsome and are known to feed on the slime coat of slow-moving fish. They also get to be 10" long (Dick Mills' Aquarium Fish says this--this is one of the best cheap atlases). Thus, a tank with a width of less than 20" may become less and less suitable for them. Your LFS may be hesitant to buy it back, but try to get them to do so!!! I have found that Otos, while fragile, are the best option for algae for a 10g tank, but you may want to house something like a bristlenose in your cichlid community. Best of luck with the new tank and with the future accommodations for your CAE.
 
thomas' dwarf cichlid
(anomalochromis thomasi)

very peaceful, stay at 3" or so.....

beautiful little fishes/....

:)

keyholes, flag cichlid maybe??
 
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blue acaras are nice i have 5 of them including a breeding pair, but they like to fight with each other and also seeem to love to fight in my brothers tank. he has a 55g with 3 cons, 2 firemouths and 1 blue acara the blue acara fights with all the fish in the tank and keeps up with them so they can be aggressive but also very passive sometimes.
 
Thank you for the responses and information so far. Part of what I end up with depends on what I find (I've got a pretty good selection locally though). I definately have some good ideas now. If anyone else has other recommendations I would be happy to hear them.

ChilDawg-
My CAE is still pretty young and is only about 1 1/2 inches now. He was definately one that I bought based on looks (he's a golden) and didn't know about the size and agressivenes in old age. I will be keeping an eye on him as he gets older and will figure out something if he gets to be a problem. I'll be getting something else for algae control in the 65.
 
I have found that Severums are mostly peaceful. However, with the size they get you may want to cross them off your list...since your fish are a little smaller.

Blue Convicts are actually quite shy. :)They need a lot of hiding spots and do fairly well with smaller fish. If you're lucky enough to find them then they may be an option. I've only seen them once before. They're rare...at least in my area. :DNOTE...never ever confuse Blue Convicts with their Black or Albino cousins. Black and Albino convicts are extremely evil when they want to be. They'll 'take on' fish which are even much larger than themselves :eek:
 
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