Choosing New Cichlids

[freerunner416]

Hey,

I'm bored at work and thinking about my tank! I have looked after discus in the past but went back to angels lately but am thinking about changing to another form of cichlid.

I like the character of the cichlids but don't know what to go for.

I'm looking for colour and possibly able to breed them at some point. I like my plecs too so would be hoping to keep some plecs with them also (currently have 1 L183 and 2 L114's).

I have a 260litre tank with external filter. My ph is normally around 6.8.

Any suggestions? Would Uara's be a good choice although they are hard to come by i think?

Cheers

Craig

 

[mattlee]

im guessing that at 260L the tank is about 4ft or a small 5ft uarus do get big so it might get tight in there at adult size even with a pair. i would try smaller species like a pair of severums/rotkeils etc. or if you wanted a group look at 6 inch max cichlids like firemouths, ellioti, rainbow cichlids etc.

 

[freerunner416]

Thanks for the reply Mattlee,

would the smaller cichlids you mention be okay with the plecs i mention?

 

[kizno1]

If your serious about the breeding and want something a little different what about
Geophagus iporangensis, Biotodoma cupido or biotodoma wavrini. They all need to be in a group of 4+ and stay under 6" so you could have a good sized group in a 260l and theres a good chance they will breed if the waters right. Or for something a little different a shoal of pike cichlids something like a big group of Crenicichla compressiceps or crenicichla regani. Or if you want something a little more standard maybe a pair of acara.

 

[markandhisfish]

il just add my thoughts on youre wish to breed cichlids . are you geared up to deal with the resulting fry? theres no guarentee that you will be able to move them on quickly , so you will need a 2nd tank capable of housing them . if you plan on breeding and raising/selling young id try and find a cihclid that is in high demand and therefore much reduces the chance of you being lumbered with fish you cant move on. some lfs may be willing to take fry off your hands but most will pay little if anything.

just a few points to consider .