new to cichlids (variety)

[toodleypops]

hey im setting up a 55g CA/SA mid size (3"-6 or 7" max) with generally peaceful cichlids.
I was thinking 1-4 severums (turq, golden maybe others that i dont know about), 2-4 firemouths and maybe (maybe not) 2-4 curviceps and 2-6 rams

opinions please about list above...
other species of cichlids that also fit this criteria.

 

[snoopy65]

I am not sure about the firemouths or curviceps , but severums can get up to between 7- 12".

 

[toodleypops]

really?! crazy the lasrgest ive ever seen was like 7" across and tall

 

[noodles62]

I am no expert, but I believe a 55 gallon may be big enough for 1 sev with nothing else.

 

[toodleypops]

dang.... i like sevs... mines so cute its only and inch lol.... well any other suggestions??

 

[mostlycichlids]

You can put severums in a 55g but IME they will act very skittish in a 55g. I would go with 2 Firemouths and something else of similar aggression.

 

[toodleypops]

bump

 

[severum mama]

There's no way you'll have enough room in a 55 for all the fish you listed. I don't even keep nearly that many cichlids in my 75. I used to keep my gold sev in a 55, and now I'm keeping my rotkeil pair in there, but they will be the only cichlids in the tank. I just have tetras for dithers.

 

[lucy42083]

You could do a pair of firemouths with some dithers and a not-too-large catfish/pleco of some kind, or do more of a community setup with a couple pairs of rams, a big school of tetras/danios, a school of corys. I agree with the others, sevs are awesome, but you can only really fit one in a 55G (and they can get to 12", I have seen it with my own eyes), and as mostlycichlids said, they do prefer bigger tanks and can be skittish in a 4 foot tank.

 

[theubc]

a severum would work in a very undercrowded 55 gal. but once its full sized youll need to upgrade.