Maybe a stupid question

rob0829

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Sep 6, 2006
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Can I keep cichlids and other kinds of tropical fish together in the same tank? Do they require different types of food? If so how would I ensure each fish gets the proper feeding?
 
It depends on what species of cichlids and what types of "other" fish. You'll have to be a bit more specific on what you want to mix.
 
Not exactly sure yet. I'm setting up a 20 gallon and I wanted to have 2 small schools of fish, maybe tetras and something else and then 2 or 3 centerpiece fish 1 of which being a dwarf gournami so I wanted to know what all my options are to fill in the holes.
 
In a 20 with tankmates like tetras you'll have to stick with the smaller species. A bolivian ram may be a good choice. However many of the dwarf cichlids that would be suitable for your setup can be touchy. Do you know what your pH and hardness are out of the tap?
 
no, it's not at all a stupid question! :)

Dietary considerations should be one, and is typically forgotten, of the stocking criteria. For example, if you have true carnivores mixed with omnivores or herbivores and drop in some food that has lots of vegetable matter, the carnivores may eat it. This can present problems because veggies are much harder to digest, and can result in digestive issues in the meat-eater.
 
no not sure, looks like I'll have to get those tests.

I don't have to keep cichlids I'm just trying to keep as many options open as I can to have a colorful, active community tank.
 
plah831 said:
no, it's not at all a stupid question! :)

Dietary considerations should be one, and is typically forgotten, of the stocking criteria. For example, if you have true carnivores mixed with omnivores or herbivores and drop in some food that has lots of vegetable matter, the carnivores may eat it. This can present problems because veggies are much harder to digest, and can result in digestive issues in the meat-eater.

So what type of cichlids would have the same diet as for example a dwarf gourami?
 
The rams, keyholes, etc. Most will eat the usual flake food, bloodworms, algae wafers and so on. If you tried something like a keyhole in a 20, a 20 long would be the best type of 20. They can get to four inches.
 
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I believe most cichlids are omnivores, meaning they can do with both meaty and veggie-based foods. I believe dwarf gouramis are the same.

But as ROLLIN said, it will be easiest to give you a yay or nay if you can narrow down your choices for us :)

Shall I move this to the cichlid subforum? Maybe I'll leave this here, since you are considering other fish, too. Maybe you can start a new thread in Cichlids?
 
I'm just confused and looking for any type of suggestions for an active, colorful tank. Just was wondering if I could do cichlids too to open up more possibilities.
 
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