Tank mates for JD's

[bgourami320]

Hi all,
I have a co-worker whose son has a 55 gal tank. She bought it for him last year. He has 3 4" JD's and a what sounds like a common pleco. She asked about putting Bolivian Rams in with them and I said no. They aren't the type of cichlid that should be in that tank. Actually I think she has enough in there with 3 JD's that are going to grow bigger. But I know they're going to get something to put in that tank so what would be a good tank mate? Should she rehome 1 or 2 of the JD's? And last, is it too late to add any other fish, since they are territorial and each might have it's own territory? Thanks for any info

 

[Nolapete]

Large barbs, like tinfoils, and other central/south american cichlids are about the only thing you can put in with jack dempseys, regardless of whether there is 1, 2, or 3. There is not enough room in a 55 for jack dempseys to have their own territory. Honestly, she should rehome all three and start over with fish that won't get so big and aren't so aggressive.

 

[DISCIPLE]

I AGREE THE 55 IS GONNA BE TOO SMALL FOR ALL JD ALONE...NOW A 125 OR LARGER SHE CAN ADD GT, SEVS, RTM,JAGS,FREDDIES , OR LOSELLI WITH NO PROBLEM PROVIDED THEY ARE ALL THE SAME SIZE AND HAVE LINE OF SIGHT BROKEN TO EASE AGGRESSION.

 

[nano cichlids]

This tank is to small for 3 adult jack dempsey now it can be done at younger ages, plus there's a good chance a pair will form. I wouldnt let them add anything that tank.

 

[bgourami320]

Large barbs, like tinfoils, and other central/south american cichlids are about the only thing you can put in with jack dempseys, regardless of whether there is 1, 2, or 3. There is not enough room in a 55 for jack dempseys to have their own territory. Honestly, she should rehome all three and start over with fish that won't get so big and aren't so aggressive.

I totally agree. I did mention to her that she might be able to return them to wherever she got them. I didn't think a 55 was big enough either. She came into my room one day and I was talking tanks with another co-working and she got into the conversation. I feel bad for the fish, I'm going to see if she'll listen to me and return them. Thanks for your opinion on this.

 

[bgourami320]

This tank is to small for 3 adult jack dempsey now it can be done at younger ages, plus there's a good chance a pair will form. I wouldnt let them add anything that tank.

She's had them since they were young, that tank has been up for a year I believe. But eventually there is going to be a problem and that's what I was trying to tell her. I did ask if she thinks she has a pair, she doesn' t know. I also told her about AC if she has questions that I certainly can't answer since I'm back into this after 30 years. I have alot to learn myself,lol, but I'm trying to help her.

 

[bgourami320]

I AGREE THE 55 IS GONNA BE TOO SMALL FOR ALL JD ALONE...NOW A 125 OR LARGER SHE CAN ADD GT, SEVS, RTM,JAGS,FREDDIES , OR LOSELLI WITH NO PROBLEM PROVIDED THEY ARE ALL THE SAME SIZE AND HAVE LINE OF SIGHT BROKEN TO EASE AGGRESSION.

Years ago I had a JD with 4 oscars in a 55 gal, they never bothered each other, but I would never do that now. I would definately have to have a large tank. Too many problems I would think, just asking for trouble.

 

[fishndude]

I have a jd in a 55 gallon with a firemouth and convict cichlid . It can be done because see a 55 gallon is about 13 inchs wide a jd in most cases does not get bigger than 8 inchs.He could keep a breeding pair.

 

[nano cichlids]

I have a jd in a 55 gallon with a firemouth and convict cichlid . It can be done because see a 55 gallon is about 13 inchs wide a jd in most cases does not get bigger than 8 inchs.He could keep a breeding pair.

Your talking about several fish that most likely won't pair off, with 3 jacks in a 55 at full grown size and paired off your going to have problems, and I have seen many Jack Dempsey get a lot bigger than 8inches, they max at out 10-12inches in a 55 gallon females at 7-9inches. With a 10"+ fish in a 55 along with other cichlids, your going to have some pretty bad aggression. Now maybe at a young age until they reach 6-8inches it could be done, but one they get bigger your stock would be cut down by a single male pretty easily.