question about african cichlids

[johnn123]

k i have a 20 gallon cichlid aquarium with 6 cichlids in it. 1 is labdiochromis, auratus, 2 venustus, red zebra and i cant remember the other others name theres lots of hollowed out ornaments in the tank and lots of suction cup plants in it but cich dont go in them except the red zebra who hides ina tower. im not sure should i take out all the ornaments and put a bunch of rocks or just leave and let the fish figure it out? theyve been it for about 6-7 months:help:

 

[jpappy789]

rocks are much better and more natural looking.

I hope you plan on upgrading soon

 

[Brian Bivens]

^ agreed. 20 Gallons is too small for most cichlids. A yellow lab will outgrow that tank on his own. I would recommend upgrading to at least a 40 gallon breeder with the current fish, or a 55 gallon, which would give you options of bringing in a few more fish.

As far as the deco goes, I would say as natural as you can (argonite substrate, and lots of rock caves) no plants necessary, but if you like the planted look, you could do anubias barteri, onion plants or java fern etc, and probably keep them without issues with your current fish.

 

[johnn123]

well i would upgrade but my budget says no reason i only have 6 in there. op never mind theres 5 now :'( new venustus died

 

[Lupin]

How big are all these fish? You know Lake Tanganyikan shell dwellers are much better than Lake Malawi in that size of tank.

 

[jpappy789]

X2 ^^^

 

[Coler]

k i have a 20 gallon cichlid aquarium with 6 cichlids in it. 1 is labdiochromis, auratus, 2 venustus, red zebra and i cant remember the other others name theres lots of hollowed out ornaments in the tank and lots of suction cup plants in it but cich dont go in them except the red zebra who hides ina tower. im not sure should i take out all the ornaments and put a bunch of rocks or just leave and let the fish figure it out? theyve been it for about 6-7 months:help:

I agree with everything that has been said.

There is unfortunately not a solution for those fish involving the 20G tank. You will end up with one unhappy fish, the rest having been killed off.

A better choice would be tanganyikan shell dwellers, apistogramma species with some tropical community fish, a pair of rams with some tropical community fish.

You will not be able to maintain a group of Lake Malwawi species in your tank and if you can not upgrade you should try and rehome your fish.

 

[jpappy789]

I agree with everything that has been said.

There is unfortunately not a solution for those fish involving the 20G tank. You will end up with one unhappy fish, the rest having been killed off.

A better choice would be tanganyikan shell dwellers, apistogramma species with some tropical community fish, a pair of rams with some tropical community fish.

You will not be able to maintain a group of Lake Malwawi species in your tank and if you can not upgrade you should try and rehome your fish.

:iagree: :iagree: :iagree:

well said.

 

[johnn123]

there not malawi there kenyi. i took all the ornaments out and put a pile of rocks in. 1 problem is that the biggest 1's have called the entire tank theres! 1's a very large orange kenyi and the other an auratus. the rest, my venustus, red zebra and yellow lab are cowering in the corner while the other fly all over the tank. should i put a divider in with the mean 2 on 1 side and the others on another? wait on monday ill have another i can move the mean 2 to so itll be ok but any suggestions i need help!

 

[petluvr]

Is your auratus male or female? If it is a female I would be willing to buy it from you as I am looking for a "wife" for my male.:grinyes: This is considering the fish is healthy.