New cichlid tank
- Thread starter CoreyMac
- Start date
Angels and discus aren't such a great mix, IMHO. Discus are a lot more laid back than angels (I keep both, in different tanks), and may be stressed and/or outcompeted for food.
Frontosas are simply awesome, there's no question. However, they will outgrow a 55 gallon by a long shot, especially given they are harem spawners and are best kept as such.
Malawi cichlids are colorful and extremely active, and as liv2padl points out, they need to be kept in larger groups than just a few. I also agree with not mixing ARLCs with New World cichlids. I think you should do a little research and decide what you want from your tank, and then get species recommendations from there.
Frontosas are simply awesome, there's no question. However, they will outgrow a 55 gallon by a long shot, especially given they are harem spawners and are best kept as such.
Malawi cichlids are colorful and extremely active, and as liv2padl points out, they need to be kept in larger groups than just a few. I also agree with not mixing ARLCs with New World cichlids. I think you should do a little research and decide what you want from your tank, and then get species recommendations from there.
Tell me about convicts and firemouths. Does the substrate really matter? I find that one prefers a sandy bottom while the other prefers a rocky bottom. Can I go with gravel and have all be happy? How's this for a setup? 1 convict, 1 firemouth, and 1 green terror in a 55G? I am doing research, but haven't found a good place that puts all of the information I am looking for out there. Your help is appreciated.
Cons and FMs do fine with either sand or gravel. Just use gravel that is small enough for the fish to dig and they will be happy.
I would suggest skipping the GT. I think it will outgrow your tank, and would be more comfortable in a minimum of 75 gallons. I'd choose something smaller. Also, it's probably best to just keep one con. They are aggressive enough without a partner!
If you are able to find them in your area, how about dwarf green pikes (crenicichla compressiceps)? I keep 3 in a 55 gallon with a large severum, a con, a FM, and 3 yellowtail botia. They are REALLY active, beautiful fish, and inch for inch they are one of the more aggressive species I've kept. :Angel:
I would suggest skipping the GT. I think it will outgrow your tank, and would be more comfortable in a minimum of 75 gallons. I'd choose something smaller. Also, it's probably best to just keep one con. They are aggressive enough without a partner!
If you are able to find them in your area, how about dwarf green pikes (crenicichla compressiceps)? I keep 3 in a 55 gallon with a large severum, a con, a FM, and 3 yellowtail botia. They are REALLY active, beautiful fish, and inch for inch they are one of the more aggressive species I've kept. :Angel:
I would like to get a fish that has the "electric" (as one site put it) scales on it - similar to the GT and the JD.
I think I would like a pair of german rams, but I can't find them around here, plus I hear that they are not very tough and die off easily.
Tomorrow I will be calling around to see who has cichlids and who doesn't. Petsmart and Petco have a few, not a huge selection though. Not many other LFS in this area.
I think I would like a pair of german rams, but I can't find them around here, plus I hear that they are not very tough and die off easily.
Tomorrow I will be calling around to see who has cichlids and who doesn't. Petsmart and Petco have a few, not a huge selection though. Not many other LFS in this area.
GBRs wouldn't stand a chance with a con and FM. They would either be outright killed, or die from stress.
