48-18-24 Cichlid Tank

[kniesh]

Hi guys, I changed this tank from a semi-oddball/Cichlid tank to marine not all that long ago. I actually have an old post similar but was focusing on Oscars then which I wont be this time. I want a stocking list built around a Green Terror and a Jack Dempsey, although the Dempsey isnt an absolute must I do want an electric blue JD as I seen these in the Sefton meadows a while ago. If I cant get a electric blue JD I will probably not bother. Anway I think I want this so far and I'm looking for any other suggestions/ advice on anything I may be doing wrong.

1x Green Terror/False Green Terror
1xElectric Blue JD
1xFiremouth
2xBristlenoses (hopefully albino but I can never find these)

Last time I went for this I messed up being too eager, ended up with a pair of Jewells an a pair of convicts, all because I had no patience. This is not gonna be the case now. Each time I look at a pic of a GT I want one more an more an I will deffinately not be getting any impulse buys now. I was thinking about an emerald/chocolate too but not sure if these are too timid for the others, any other suggestions very welcome please, or do you think that would be it for stocking levels? Oh, sorry I was going to put a Senegal Bichir in too, all these are going to be added very young

Thanks in advance, Vinny

 

[shroob]

I think the stocking is fine for that tank and should be ok. One thing I would be careful of is EBJD as these are reputed to be suseptable to disease and quite delicate up until 5" or so, coupled with a green terror that could be a problem. A regular JD may suit you better.

Other than that, your tank stocking looks good. Make sure you have plenty of hiding places for the BN's, they will need them in that tank.

 

[kniesh]

Thanks shroob, I have plenty of wood lying round waiting to be used so the Plecs will be fine for spots to take refuge. You think the Senegal will be fine then yeah? What are ur thoughts on the emerald Cichlid? If I never went with the JD you think this would be ok, or equally all 3 an not the firmouth? Or all 4?

 

[Davo86]

Thanks shroob, I have plenty of wood lying round waiting to be used so the Plecs will be fine for spots to take refuge. You think the Senegal will be fine then yeah? What are ur thoughts on the emerald Cichlid? If I never went with the JD you think this would be ok, or equally all 3 an not the firmouth? Or all 4?

I'm not sure if an emerald cichlid would be able to stand upto a GT or JD and even if it id i personally wouldn't put 3 large cichlids + a firemouth into a 4footer. Plecs will usually try to eat the slime on the polypterus so I wouldn't advise putting them together.

I'd stick with your initial stocking and try to find the largest healthiest Blue Jack you can.

 

[kniesh]

Sorry, forgot to say, I was planning on a Blue Acarra and a Striped Anostomus, I know that may be pushing the limits for stocking, what are the thoughts on this then?

1x Blue Acara
1xGreen Terror
1xStriped Anostomus
1xEBJD/Emerald
1xFiremouth
1xSenegal Bichir
2xBristlenose

Sorry about that, I will definately have the tank way overfiltered with 1 external and 2 internals.

Sorry posted at the same time, forget the emerald then, I dont think I have ever seen one for sale anyway, thanks

 

[Davo86]

IMO anostomus are quite a shy fish so there would be a risk of it getting bullied by the larger cichlids,
As said above its not good to put a plec and a birchir in the same tank as the plec will often attempt to suck the slime of the birchir, which leads to the birchir getting infections and bacterial illnesses.
I would also try to get a female GT if you do decide to go for the Acara, this should minimise potential aggression between them.

1xFiremouth
1x Blue Acara
1xGreen Terror (female)
1xStriped Anostomus
1xEBJD
1xSenegal Bichir / 2xBristlenose

 

[shroob]

Sorry I didn't read the bit about the senegal, I think your initial stocking was Ok personally, and would stick to that, if you wanted a GT and blue acara, beware they may breed together as they are closely related, which would seriously increase aggression.

So a revised list would be:
1 GT
1 Blue acara
1 FM
2 Bn plecs

Which I think will be a good stock list for that sized tank.

 

[kniesh]

Thanks for the herlp guys,very much appreciated. ended up revising the original list a fair bit and got this;

1xElectric Blue JD (1.5")
1xParrot (3")
2xSenegal (about Khuli Loach size)
1xBlue Acarra (2.5")
1x Striped Anostomus (6")

I plan to put plenty of nooks an crannys for the Bichirs an Anostomus to hide in that the fuller bodied, more aggressive fish wont be able to fit. Plus plenty of wood an a few big fake plants for the larger Cichlids. I know adding a GT to this will probably be a massive risk and it is one I am still debating. The Parrot, Acarra and possibly the Anostomus can all be moved to my 62gal 30"x24"x24" if bullied too much. I currently have a RTBS in there an a large group of differing Tiger barb an Cory species so they would be fine in there if problems arise. I will get some pics up as soon as I can get some good enough, they are all turning out poor at the minute.

So far the JD is doing fine. i went looking for the GT and found the JD for £10 so decided to get one. He already seems to have tons of personality playing tick with the Bichirs and i hope I can pull him through the vulnerable stage and get him to 4/5 inches quickly.

I really really want a GT, I just think they are the most beautiful fish I have ever seen, I just cant find them at the moment in any shops, been to all the shops local to Liverpool I use and tried Pier Aquatics in Wigan, probably a good thing

Thanks Vinny

 

[kniesh]

Ok, got some pics, not great but as good as I seem to get them. Ignore the smudge marks, tanks is in need of some TLC which is coming just as soon as I have fitted all decor an fixed filters to where they should be

 

[ox5477]

Their cute for now... The EBJD may get bullied a little by the acara if it's one of the cranky specimens. I've heard from people that they are litle kitty cats and others are like little demons. But all else looks good I have heard that parrots can be bastards too.... just keep an eye on everybody and watch for redness around the lips and nipped fins.

 

[kniesh]

Thanks Ox. Yeah the Acarra seems fine with the JD so far. Luckily the JD seems a wise little guy and just seems to stay clear of the Acarra and the Parrot. I had a Parrot for about 18months an he was a little monster although they tend not to be able to do any proper damage. He is still my concern tho as if he takes a disliking to the Dempsey or Acarra he is likely to get a very nasty surprise. I am keeping a very close eye on things though and do have other smaller tanks I can use as hospitals too if need be or just to seperate for a while untill one can be rehomed. This Parrot definately seems more timid than my other one was at this size though which is good

 

[kniesh]

Btw, I know territorial wise it is full but I wanted to add a small group of dither fish. Anyone have any recommendations for this as I think the upper portions of the tank will look pretty dead otherwise. I was thinking Torpedo Barbs but not sure on the tank size needed there, any other suggestions?

 

[Davo86]

I always use decent sized Giant Danios as Dithers with my American Cichlids, Although not greatly colourful compared to the torpedo barbs, they are much hardier and will often swim in the higher levels of your tank where it is usually looks most empty