Convict Question

[freded]

I'm in the process of moving the inhabitants of my 20g tank to my new 100g tank. After much debating, I've decided to make the 100g tank a large community tank and am going to be looking to have a some nice large shoals of tetras etc.

That leaves my 20g tank empty and I was wondering if I'd be able to have a couple of convicts in the tank. I was going to make the 100g tank a cichlid tank but was overruled by my better half so am keen to have some cichlids in the 20g tank.

So, the question I've got is whether I'd be able to have a pair of convicts in the 20g tank? If so, what other fish could I put in the tank with them (if any). I've got some zippy loaches in the 20g tank which I think I'm going to have difficulty catching so would it be ok to leave them in?

 

[idlefingers]

A breeding pair would be fine in a 20g but any tankmates will get killed in that size tank when the cons decide to breed.. there just won't be enough space for other occupants to get out of the con's territory and so they'll get beaten.

 

[randallhart]

I agree.

 

[freded]

Thanks for advice. Would the loaches be ok (given they are v good at hiding) or should I get them out as well?

 

[idlefingers]

I'd take them out. If they can get away from the cons by hiding then they may escape the beating but you won't be able to enjoy them.. Plus the minute they come out, they will get chase straight back away and will probably have big issues trying to get food. It won't be a pleasant existence for them.

 

[freded]

I'd take them out. If they can get away from the cons by hiding then they may escape the beating but you won't be able to enjoy them.. Plus the minute they come out, they will get chase straight back away and will probably have big issues trying to get food. It won't be a pleasant existence for them.

Thanks.

I'll take them out and let the Convicts have the tank to itself. Would it be best to get 3/4 convicts and once I've got a breeding pair, return the others?

 

[idlefingers]

Yep, that sounds good. I saw Tolak post a table which explains the likelihood of a pair forming which explains it better than I ever could..

 

[Stan Laurel.]

Yep, that sounds good. I saw Tolak post a table which explains the likelihood of a pair forming which explains it better than I ever could..

hey neat chart. i have 2 cons in a 20 gal to themselves. it's been almost a week since they met, but i have a feeling she hates him and nothings going to happen as she constantly chases him out when she sees him. if this turns out true i don't know if i should get another female, or get another male?

 

[parker313]

Cons are easy enough to sex that I'd just get a male and a female. I like to use that chart for fish that are harder to sex, like angels, or pickier about their mates.

 

[idlefingers]

I don't completely agree with that. While they do pair off easily, it's not a definite when you just get a male & female. I had a male and female con (both sexually mature) live together for months with no signs of breeding at all. By getting a group and letting a pair form you can be certain you will get a pair. Also, most cons for sale at shops are juveniles which are harder to sex as a lot of the defining features haven't started developing yet.

 

[Stan Laurel.]

I don't completely agree with that. While they do pair off easily, it's not a definite when you just get a male & female. I had a male and female con (both sexually mature) live together for months with no signs of breeding at all. By getting a group and letting a pair form you can be certain you will get a pair. Also, most cons for sale at shops are juveniles which are harder to sex as a lot of the defining features haven't started developing yet.

got a new female just last friday, 5 days later. eggs on the flower pot

ty guys