20 Gallon Hex Tank

[Christi_22]

Hi

I would love to keep a pair of Dwarf Cichlids. I have a tank that will be available in a couple of months. I have time for research, but would love recommendation from any experienced Cichlid keepers out there. The tank is 20 Gallons thereabouts.

I really love Rams, and also Cockatoo Cichlids, but there may be others that I have not come across or considered yet. All suggestions welcome.

Also, would this be a suitable size and shape tank? , would there be enough room for any other critters in the tank?

Any advice very welcome.

Thanks
C

 

[AdAndrews]

it isnt the best shape tank being a hex, but you may get away with it, if i were you i would sell it and get a normal rectangular tank.. but if you do decide to keep them make sure you only have very small numbers, like a single pair as there isnt much length for them to swim in that size, and stick to the smallest dwarfs like rams- although you may have problems with blue rams, i found them impossible to keep, bolivian rams despite being slightly larger are easier to keep

 

[Christi_22]

Thanks. You know, that's a really good idea. Why didn't I think of that.

Its full of Guppy Fry at the mo, but once they are old enough I will look into getting a rectangular tank. Hmmm got me thinking now.

 

[AdAndrews]

lol ok. if you want to keep just one pair a cheap jewel rekord 60 or 600 will be enough i think

 

[Christi_22]

Hmmmm, Or, I could go a bit bigger lol (only just finished cycling and setting up a 3ft (which is now stocked). A new project is looming I think. lol

 

[tenohfive]

GBR's are great fish, ideal I would have said if you go for the rectangular shaped tank - as long as you're willing to do at least one water change a week (though ideally every 4 days to get the best out of them) you'll be fine. I've not kept Bolivian Rams but they're a lovely looking fish, by all accounts easier to keep than GBR's. (btw - GBR = german blue ram, in case you didn't know.)

I'd have a look at what apisto's your LFS has for sale, they're also great looking fish.

 

[Christi_22]

GBR's are great fish, ideal I would have said if you go for the rectangular shaped tank - as long as you're willing to do at least one water change a week (though ideally every 4 days to get the best out of them) you'll be fine. I've not kept Bolivian Rams but they're a lovely looking fish, by all accounts easier to keep than GBR's. (btw - GBR = german blue ram, in case you didn't know.)

I'd have a look at what apisto's your LFS has for sale, they're also great looking fish.

I was wandering, seeing as my tap water is quite hard (around 7.2 - 7.6) would these fish be ok. I have also been looking at some of the African Cichlids (that prefer hard water). I must admit though I do really like the Rams and the Apisto's, but as they prefer soft water, not sure how difficult it would be to adjust my water parameters to suit (I know it is better to work with what you have rather than trying to change it ) lol

Thanks tenofive