Dwarf cichlids for 37 gal tank

meili.harrison

meili.harrison

Love my plecos!
Apr 28, 2008
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I'm a total newb to the cichlid world. I have an empty 37 gal eclipse tank that I'm considering for SA cichlids. I know it is small, but I'm hoping I can fit a few dwarf cichlids in there that are more peaceful. I'm not particularly keen on breeding any, just want some nice coloration.

Any advise on what I can keep in a tank that size, that have pretty cool colors? A friend of mine is offering to sell me some baby EBRs, would they be ok and if so, what else can I have in there?

Another question is, my tap water ph is about 7.6, would I need to use special soil to lower the ph for SA cichlids? I have ADA Amazonian, should I use that or are they ok in 7.6?
 
So it's essentially a very tall 20 long? The EBR's would be alright, water chemistry depends on what they've been spawned/raised in. Endler's would also go well with small cichlids. Badis are another option, though they can be picky eaters.
 
Yes, it has the same footprint as a 20 long, just much taller. Not a tank I would have paid for, but since I got it for free, I can't complain! :)

Endlers?? As in the teeny tiny endlers? i didn't know endlers would be ok in a cichlid tank... how interesting! I'll keep that in mind.

I think Badis might be a tad bit too high maintenance for me. Need a not so picky eater :) Thanks for the suggestion though :)

If I go with the EBRs, is it ok to have 4 in the tank, or should I only get 2?
 
Adult Endler's are a bit large for ram's to eat, but the fry would be happily controlled. I'd get 4 and likely end up with at least a pair. You can always move or swap off the extras later if necessary, and you have a better chance of having 2 that will get along that way.
 
I'd go with a pair of rams (GBR's and not the electirc blue variant) and a trio of apistos, and a pair of angelfish to make use of the height of the tank. It's a waste of the tank IMO to put bottom dwellers exclusively in a tank with height like that. Angels would Surely appreciate the space. You could add a group of hatchets and a group of cardinals/neons, or some other tetra to round out the tank. Don't forget 2 BN plecos and cories as well.
 
Why not the electric blue ones? I'm thinking of rams and [FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid[/FONT]

I didn't know I could put BNs and corries in with them. That would be awesome! I already have those in stock.... haha! I'll throw in a couple of angels for good measure :) I'll do more research on the apistos, aren't there a whole bunch of different ones?
 
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There are many species of apistos and many color variants. I have a catalog of them and for example there are 20 or so cacatouides color variants including the common orange flash, triple reds, double reds, etc. You will want to keep them in trios (1M and 2F) as they are harem spawners and the males will work between females, who take care of the fry. Make sure you have flowerpot caves for them (they lay on the inside of the roofs of the caves/pots).

The EBR's are a new strain and the line is weak because of he imbreeding. I'd wait until the breeders make the line more established. Personally, and I think most others agree, the GBR's are more appealing. If you want a solid blue you might as well go with Africans.
 
EBR's or GBR's( I personally hate the common name GBR;) the Czechs would argue which is the better looking blue ram ;) )



if the price is right and you like the EBR's give them a shot. but be wary as mentioned. the EBR strain may be a little weak.

I personally like the Blue rams or Altispinosa(Bolivian) especially if you can find a local source. I like the idea of apisto's with them too. but they are spendy here .

angels would pair well with either species. and a 37 is a good size for a pair or single angel.
 
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