Cichlids question

[acetennis2002]

I have a 29 gal tank and i really like the look of some of the cichlids but i thought they were semi aggressive fish so they would kill the other tank mates in mt community tank . are there any types that can go in a community tank or do i have to get a tank seprator or another tank?

 

[jimw13uk]

Ones that are ok in a community are - Angel , Firemouths , Kribs , Keyholes , Rams and Severums - now it all depends on what else you have in the tank but I've had all those in with neons , cardinals , white clouds mountains , guppies , mollies , platies - they may decide to eat them at any time so you have to be aware that cichlids are on the more aggressive end of the tropical fish scale but mine have never done anything bad - I dont mix them now though - they are in their own cichlid only tanks now.



What do you have in your community at the mo

 

[Ferris]

I think the best advice is to do your research well with regard to compatibility when considering adding any Cichlids to a community tank.

For example Kribs are classed as being OK for a comm tank but i would never add a breeding pair as they are vicious when spawning and whilst they may not physically kill other fish, they can die from the levels of stress caused by the Kribs.

The same goes for Firemouths and Severums who also get too big for many community fish and would eat small tetra's just because they fit in their mouths, although they are not particularly agressive.

IMO Keyholes and Rams are the only sensible Cichlids for a community tank. I accept that people have successfully kept some of the others in this environment but I have had, and heard of, far too many disasters with trying to mix Cichlids with community fish.

Just my opinion but i hope this helps.

 

[Fat Boy]

I'd agree, Keyholes would be the best for your tank, their not as big as Firemouths and are not at all agressive.

 

[freddyk]

Most cichlid aggression is to other cichlids, and there are many that work with community fish. The point of fish being stressed out by cichlid aggression regardless of being ignored is a good one, so you don't want anything too skittish.
For example, I tried rasboras, serpae tetras, and congo tetras with my 8" m and 5" F nicaraguensis pair. The rasboras and serpaes are perfectly fine, but the congo's were not happy at all despite being ignored and their superior size, and were removed. Sometimes experimentation is needed.

I don't agree in any way that rams and keyholes are the only cichlids that can be kept like this, I know from experience that many types will work, but I do agree with ferris in this case, considering that it's only a 29 gallon. Perhaps Flags as well. Kribs worked for me but from my understanding it's an iffy choice.

With the exception of keyholes (most docile cichlid available) it really depends on the fish in your tank. It's generally wiser to first choose the cichlid and then choose appropriate fish to go with it. If you have neons, forget anything but the keyholes.

Don't be scared off by negative posts based on what people have 'heard', but do be careful what you mix. If you can give a stocking list of what you have we can help you decide if you can add any cichlids, or what you need to remove or add to make it work.

The same goes for Firemouths and Severums who also get too big for many community fish and would eat small tetra's just because they fit in their mouths

I'd think it's common sense, but obviously the community fish must be suitable size (and there is a suitable size option for any sized cichlid)

 

[juanveldez]

looking at what was in your tank in your profile I would say cichlids are a no, without knowing how heavy your filtration is. but I count alot of fish in there already.

 

[lucky62]

If it is the tank in your sig , than I would also say no , It's kind of a busy tank now with the fish you have.

have you considered scaling back on what you now have , I wouldn't put any medium sized cichlids in a 29 gal , but you still have many choices .

I don't think your puffer will work long term in that tank either , puffers in general become less tolerant of tank mates as they age , and make poor citizens in a community tank , in some cases even in a species tank .

 

[sevs]

I too believe that you should upgrade your tank if you want to house cichlids, you may be able to keep some dwarves but if you are looking to larger cichlids an upgrade is needed. A 55 or higher would be a good size to keep small-medium sized peaceful cichlids (it is a whole different story if you want to keep larger aggressive cichlids).