cichlids

[GuppyDude]

nvr kept cichlids before and i didn't know which one of those forums i wanted to post in so i thoght id starte here.

iv got a free 20g, im kicking around the cichlid tank idea and am kinda wondering what kind of cichlids can i keep in there. what cichlids require the least upkeep, what are some smaller varietys of cichlids, and will a 40g filter in a 20g tank be ok for them? should i use an inground filter as well?

 

[littlefishie]

German Blue Rams.

Dwarf NW Cichlids, and soo entertaining to watch! You could put a pair in there, with some cories, neons/cardinals.. any small shoaling tetra or rasbora. That's how I keep them in my tank, anyway.

And a 40g filter should be fine.. I have an AC200/50 on my 15 gallon, and it's a 50g filter..

 

[Dwarfs]

Despite what most people say, there are many kinds of cichlids that can be kept in a 20g

Keyholes
Rams (Blue rams can be delicate, but bolivians are hardy)
Apistogramma (Possibly expensive)
Nannacara (Hard to find)
Laetecara species (Hard to find)
There are dwarf africans too, I think the thomasi cichlid is one.

Apistogramma are the most colorful IMO, but they can be expensive.
The nannacara and Laetecara species are pretty hard to find, but scoop them up if you see them


EDIT: Kribs are also very nice

 

[GuppyDude]

awsome thanx, the only problem i should have is keeping it clean. at the present it ahs amny guppy fry in it. while they are not the cleanest fish i have heard that cichlids are very dirty (lots of poo) and suggestions besides teh 40g filter? just checking

 

[Dwarfs]

Plenty of rocks and caves Plants are good too, try java fern, it's almost indestructible, unless you're water is terrible and there is absolutely no light, or blindingly bright light

 

[GuppyDude]

i accually plan to get live plants fron djdotnet, but he changed his username, ill have to hunt him down

 

[Fishy411]

there are african shell dwellers but they need LOTS of shells and they need harder water