Convict Cichlid

[Norske1028]

Hi, if anyone can help me with this question I would be very grateful.
I have a 10 gallon tank with a female convict cichlid about 2 1/2 inches in length.
I have a pot in the tank for her to lay her eggs. I was wondering if I could put a male in there with her and they would mate,
This is because I have seen her get very plump recently and digging holes near the pot.
I have also heard that they will bread in anything.
Should I leave her alone or can I get her a mate.
Thanks.

 

[kribensis12]

I personally am breeding a pair in a 10g but I DO NOT recommend it to someone who is newer to the field of fish keeping. They max out at 4-6 inches (depending on what website you go to) and a 10g tank is no permanent home for these fish. If you upgraded your tank to a 20g tank then it would be fine. The water quality will also be harder to control because of all of the waste being pumped into the tiny tank. Then you also need to know what you will do with all of the babies. They make a lot of them and do it quickly. Most fish stores MIGHT buy them off you the first time (for next to nothing because they are common) and the next time they might take them for free but I guarantee that by the third batch, your fish store wont want them, even for free. In short, I do not recommend it.

 

[Norske1028]

Do convicts do well without a heater?
Because I have a freind who has a tank with no heater who can take care of them

 

[kribensis12]

No they do not. They are a tropical fish. I suggest that you do some online reading.

 

[fishnovice]

Your friend can easily get a cheap heater on Ebay or from a pet store - sorted!