A Medium-sized Cichlid For A 30 Gallon?

[idlefingers]

I've asked this question in the general tropical chit-chat, but I figured it'd be better to post here.

I'm trying to think of what to do with my empty 33 gallon tank and like the idea of a species tank with just one or two inhabitants. In the species index article about severums, it says a minimum of 30 gallon, but in the pinned severum article in this forum says 55. So would I be pushing it if I kept one severum on it's own in a 30 gallon (with thoughts to buy a new tank within a year)?

 

[jimw13uk]

You would be ok - I have a 7" Golden Severum in a 4 footer(40g) and he is just getting to the size now where I am looking to sell him on.

Have you thought about Rainbows (Herotilapia Multispinosa) or the smaller ones like Apistogrammas (Cockatoos)

 

[idlefingers]

How long did it take yours to get to 7"? Are they slow-growers (gives me time to consider tank upgrades)?

I saw the rainbows and cockatoos in the species index, but if it's possible for this sized tank, I'm wanting something a little larger.

 

[jimw13uk]

I've had him 2 years and was bought at about 2-3" in size - They dont put the inches on quickly.

Now mine is not the true severum - mines a Heros Efasciatus and not the Heros Severus.
Most LFS will sell the Efasciatus and not point out that its not the Heros Severus. The main difference is that the Severus isnt IMHO as colourful as the Efasciatus and also Severus is a Mouthbrooder and the Efasciatus is a substrate spawner.

They both get called Severums and I suppose they are. So the growth rate on mine is obviously for the Efasciatus and not the Severus.

 

[LisaLQ]

My sevs went from 1 and a half inches to about 5" in about 3 or 4 months. Cant recommend them for a 30g, or a 55g, personally, you're looking at about 60-75g for one in the long run, bigger for a pair

Can definitely recommend herotilapia multispinosa/rainbow cichlids though - they would fit in a 30g, but would prefer bigger as they are very active. But a 30g would do as a grow out tank til you could get the 55g perhaps?

Dare I say it, my rainbows have more personality than my severums did

 

[cheesy feet]

When severums are young they have a big growth spurt (like most fishes),but when subadult growth slows down so that is why jimw13uk severum, hasn't grown anymore.Either that or it is already at adulthood.Many don't get over 9'.I can reccomend them for a 30 gal to subadult but big adults (10-12) would need a min of 55gal and 75 gal for a tank mate.Just MHO

 

[idlefingers]

Okay, thanks. I think I might look into the rainbows a bit more.

Do you think a pair would fit? perhaps more? less?

I can't believe I'm having such difficulties deciding what to do with this tank! I just can't decide!

 

[fatmarley]

Make a shell-dwelling tank, those fish are interesting and you can house a few of them.

Plus the setup is cheap. sand and shells.

 

[briielzebub]

I'd sugest a pair of convicts. I personally don't like breeding them but many people do. A pair would be great in that size tank. They have a lot of character, and they're pretty good looking. Grow to a decent size too, around 6".

 

[idlefingers]

funny you should say that.. I decided this weekend to go for convicts! I forgot to update this thread. I had a matured filter ready to go so it was nice and quick to get going

Thanks for everyones advice. Much appreciated.