45 gallon, what to get?

[shrks1fan]

OK, I'm soon going to have a 45 gallon 4 foot tank available and I think I'd like to use it as a tank for a pair of breeding cichlids. I'd like something somewhat large. However since I've never raised ciclids, I have no idea what I want, so I'd like some suggestions. I do know that Oscars are out of the question due to the size of the tank, I'm not interested in Convicts (fry would be too hard to get rid of). I'm thinking possibly Jack Dempsey or Blue Acara's. The tank would just be for the pair and their offspring (and possibly some type of pleco for algae control).

I'd also like something that will willingly eat live food such as guppies (I breed them to sell to my LFS, so I would have an endless supply for food, Lol). Any suggestions? I'm not completely decided on it just being for a breeding pair, so other suggestions are also welcome, but definetly I'd like it for a couple or few largish fish.

Linda

 

[parker313]

I'd go with blue acaras, but I'm not sure how hard or easy they are to breed... I think they're beautiful fish though!

 

[Fishy411]

I just Got a Gold Severum and He is Easily My favorite fish i have owned. He is so personable and Will eat flakes or Pellets out of My hand. He would be a nice fish to breed. I also have a JD and they are pretty cool. Mine is really Dark though. Almost like a convict.

 

[parker313]

I think a pair of Sevs would need a 55g or larger...

 

[juanveldez]

what about firemouths or one of the simmilar Thorichthys species?

 

[cometcattle]

I'd go with a pair of Salvinis.

Here's my Salvini:

 

[parker313]

I'd go with a pair of Salvinis.

Here's my Salvini:

You're right, I forgot about Salvinis. I'd go with those too

 

[Dwarfs]

Yes, but the pair of salvinis would probably be the only fish in the tank, whether you want it like that or not

 

[shrks1fan]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, that will help to get me started in my research.

Linda

 

[fufanu360]

convicts man whats wrong wit u

 

[shrks1fan]

I'd never be able to sell the fry, LOL Convicts are the guppies of the Cichlid world

Linda

 

[juanveldez]

lol that is true they sure like to breed, the only difference is and it is a bit unfair to cons is that if things are going right any cichlid will constantly breed. my GT lays eggs almost a month apart every month.