Input on SA/CA Cichlids for my tank :)

W

wombatwarcry

AC Members
Sep 1, 2010
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Gainesville, Fl
Real Name
Cory
Hello all!

Right now I have a 55 gallon tank with texas holey and small gravel substrate that I am cycling at the moment. In it I have a 2 inch redtail, 2 plecos (very small) and 10 tiger barbs (7 normal and 3 green). It has spent the last week and a half cycling, so in a few weeks I will feel comfortable adding the cichlids.

So my question!
Taking into consideration the PH requirements and possible harm to my barbs (soon to be dither fish), I was curious what cichlid suggestions are out there. I have done some research and have compiled a list of possible tankmates. One or two may be considered too aggressive at first (or later in its life). I base my research on what I have seen work.

Here are fish I may consider putting in the tank (not all obviously)
Firemouth Cichlid (Thorichthys Meeki)
Rainbow Cichlid (Herotilapia Multispinosa)
Green/Gold Severus (Heros Severus)
Black Convict (Archocentrus Nigrofasciatus)
Salvini Cichlid (Nandopsis Salvini)
Blue/Port Acara (Aequidens Portalegrensis)

I can easily relocate the redtail (if it is a deciding factor) to another tank.

If any of those would absolutely not work, like no way in hell, please point it out. I keep in mind that every fish is different, thus, if someone has a JD that worked out with tigers, one for me wont (that is why JD isnt listed).
Also, if there are any suggestions not listed, please let me know :D!

Thank you and any input is appreciated!
 
First off welcome to AC,
IMO I would go with a pair of severums, they get fairly larger and have some beautiful coloring. They will do just fine with your barb and possibly the catfish all though the catfish will get to large for a 55gallon aquarium. Another good choice would be the acara, basically the care and needs of a green terror but much smaller.
If you want color in your tank look into dwarf cichlids you could go with the Cockatoo Cichlid I think these fish are absolutely stunning! Im setting up a 20 gallon long with a triple red male soon. In a 55 gallon you could keep 2 males and 4-6 females I think pretty easily but don't quote me on that I'm new to the dwarf cichlids. Hope this helps

~Kyle
 
I have seen some of the severums and they seem nice enough, but I noticed that I lean towards the more expensive ones (rare colors I guess?)

I do like the acaras as well, its a tough decision. I did a large amount of research on firemouths and it looks promising, still waiting on more research and any other input i can get for the final decisions.

The redtail will only get about 4", so its fine in a 55.

As for the dwarfs, I started looking into them and was researched out for the day, so it continues another day. Thanks for your input :D!

btw, ammonia levels dropped below 0.25 :D with just traces of nitrate, getting excited!
 
Firemouths are also a great choice, it really just depends on your taste. Some people like large cichlids some like small some like bright a colorful while others take joy out of the duller ones. What ever you like and whatever suits you best! Were always here to help and I'm on the forums a lot as I have nothing else better to do with my time.
 
I think what I will do is rule out the ones that are actually classified as aggressive (i.e. convicts) and see what I can stumble upon. I love the input from other people though, really helps in decisions listening to it. I guess I would classify myself as a small to medium with color kind of guy ha.
 
I wouldn't do convicts just because of the fact they breed like rabbits and you'll never get rid of them try something new and exotic or something really colorful.
 
Firemouths and Cutteri would make for a nice setup and the water requirements fit the bill as with the THR which can act as a buffer for your harness, are you talking about a redtail cat or redtail shark..

If it is a redtail shark he may be fine with the newcomers if it is a redtail cat relocate him to a 500gal tank he will more than likely outgrow you and will eat your fish as he matures..
 
What kind of Red Tail fish do you own??? Only two fish I know that are Red Tail are the Shark and Catfish. Shark gets like 6" the catfish is 4ft.

Also what kind of pleco's do you own??? Some will easily outgrow your tank like Pterygoplichthys pardalis and gibbiceps which are normally sold as the "common pleco".

As far as your fish list I would try going with Severums. Those fish are pretty neat but they do vary in price depending on the color strains. Keep in mind though that not all fish fit the general attitude for that breed. Ive seen overly aggressive Oscars before and docile Jack Dempseys and skitish green terrors. Severums would be my vote though.
 
Pittbull said:
Firemouths and Cutteri would make for a nice setup and the water requirements fit the bill as with the THR which can act as a buffer for your harness, are you talking about a redtail cat or redtail shark..

If it is a redtail shark he may be fine with the newcomers if it is a redtail cat relocate him to a 500gal tank he will more than likely outgrow you and will eat your fish as he matures..
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Hey you beat me to the punch bout the redtail fish lol. Oh well
 
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