Dwarf Cichlid Tank...

[anthony6377]

I have recently taken an interest in Cichlids however I don't have the time or space to devote a tank to larger species so I am restricted to 12 gallon setup.

First off, is it even feasible to house a pair of Dwarf Cichlids in an enclosure this size? From the research I have done, it seems to be possible although more space is always more desirable (I do have plans on setting up a larger tank in the coming years however being a college student I don't have the time or finances). What are some species that would work in this tank? I've read that some Rams such as the German Blue Rams could live in this environment. What else, if any, could I look into? I am sure opinions will vary on this so I'd like to hear all thoughts.

I like the idea of setting up the tank around a pair of Dwarf Cichlids. I would really prefer to have tank mates that are native to the Cichlids region. I think it would be cool to create a "realistic" environment with native plants, substrate, etc, etc, etc. What are some types of fish I could look into to meet this requirement?

How difficult is it to maintain live plants? Like I mentioned earlier, I want to create as natural a habitat as possible so I plan on having native plants in the tank. Whether they are live or fake is still up in the air although I would really prefer live if it is not too much extra work.

What type of substrate should I use? I have read conflicting opinions on this matter. Some sources say to use a fine, dark gravel whereas others say it doesn't matter. I prefer the look of the natural stone gravel but again I'm trying to create as natural a habitat as possible so I am willing to change that.

I know these are very ambitious plans for such a small tank but I simply cannot go any larger. I would rather find out that this project is not feasible from you knowledgeable folks than learn the hard way.

 

[Ben]

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=82727
That should cover things you need to know before buying your very own Dwarf Cichlid.

As for the Amazon Biotype(which is a replica of the amazon, where SA dwarf cichlids come from)

Mayaca, Phylanthus fluitans (floating plant), Alternanthera reineckii,
> Toninas, and various sword plants (not the cultivars) would be excellent
as
> they are native to the Amazon River Basin like the discus, if you want to
> recreate a biotope of course.

As for substrate, it varies.
It goes from leaf litter, to gravel, to sand. Anything should do(i like sand and leaf litter the best). But please don't use colourful neon gravel! It's just plane wrong!

The water should be black water(stanned, yellowish water) which is usually called Tannins. This can be bought into the tank by driftwood/bog wood with out boiling it. It usually lowers the PH which Rams prefer.

Good Luck.

PS. If the pants are too much for you, why not get Java Moss. Cheap and easy to keep and comes from the Amazon

PSS. for more info on plants, check out the Plants and Planted Tanks section of TFF

 

[anthony6377]

Thanks for the reply! I'll check out the link you provided.

 

[lucky62]

12 gallons is a little tight for dwarf cichlids , not impossible , but also not real good idea .

20 gallon is a good size .


What are the dimensions of your 12 gal ?


As much as I love dwarfs cichlids , with that tank you may want to consider some of the smaller Gouramis ........sparklers or croackers , maybe 3 or 4 peacock gudgeon or a pair of badis badis ...........some dwarf cichlids may work out , but in the long term I couldn't say what ones .




PS. If the pants are too much for you, why not get Java Moss. Cheap and easy to keep and comes from the Amazon


only if the the amazon is in South east Asia they are cheap though

 

[anthony6377]

Thanks for the help guys. The more I think about it, the more I think it would be a better idea to buy a larger tank. I saw a nice 28 gallon bow front for a decent price. This tank would open up my options considerably and I wouldn't have to worry as much about the space constraints. The more I think about, the more I like the idea.

 

[lucky62]

Thanks for the help guys. The more I think about it, the more I think it would be a better idea to buy a larger tank. I saw a nice 28 gallon bow front for a decent price. This tank would open up my options considerably and I wouldn't have to worry as much about the space constraints. The more I think about, the more I like the idea.

Would that be like 30" long ? that's a good size for a pair[ trio ] of dwarfs a few schoolers , and maybe some small catfish .

 

[anthony6377]

Yes, I believe it is around 30". I am going to go tomorrow and pick up the tank if they will honor the price they have advertised (I think it may be a mistake but I am not certain). If I do purchase this tank, what options have been opened as far as Cichlids go? What are some species I could look into possible getting?

 

[lucky62]

Yes, I believe it is around 30".  I am going to go tomorrow and pick up the tank if they will honor the price they have advertised (I think it may be a mistake but I am not certain).  If I do purchase this tank, what options have been opened as far as Cichlids go?  What are some species I could look into possible getting?

It largely depends on what you have available to you

These are what I like

Look into apistos such as cockatoos , agassizi these are most commonly found in my area than other apistos . There seems to be much debate whether to get pairs or one male 2 or 3 females] I won't budge on this with cockatoos ........at least 2 females IMO

I also like the lateacara species it includes curviceps and dorsiger

Nannacara Anomala .

Rams [ mikrogeophagus species ].


checker boards

kribs [west African]

thomosis [ west African ]


Post in the African forum , there are a few lake dwarfs I've heard of , but can't offer you any info as I have no experience with them .
There are many different species of dwarf cichlid out there , apistos alone make up the vast majority , Do some searching on the net , public library , pet shops and other fish keepers . Maybe buy yourself a book on Dwarf cichlids as well , it's good to have on hand anyway.

With that size tank it's best to stick to one species , one pair / trio .

Well planted [ low light tolerant plants work fine ] rocks , caves .......many places to hide [ I'm like a broken record , but this works for me ] you'll see more of them .

 

[anthony6377]

Thanks for the information. I'll check out some of the species you've mentioned as well as post in the African section. I really like the Yellow Labs and it seems like I may be able to house some if I get a larger tank.

 

[lucky62]

Thanks for the information. I'll check out some of the species you've mentioned as well as post in the African section. I really like the Yellow Labs and it seems like I may be able to house some if I get a larger tank.

have you narrowed your choices ?

 

[anthony6377]

I haven't narrowed my choices but I am pretty set on having a pair of Blue Rams as my "showcase fish". I am thinking either a small school of cories or a small school of loaches (any suggestions as far as loaches go?). I was then thinking about a small school of some topwater fish but I am not sure what I like. If you have any more suggestions, I would love to hear them.

 

[lucky62]

I haven't narrowed my choices but I am pretty set on having a pair of Blue Rams as my "showcase fish". I am thinking either a small school of cories or a small school of loaches (any suggestions as far as loaches go?). I was then thinking about a small school of some topwater fish but I am not sure what I like. If you have any more suggestions, I would love to hear them.

Rams are nice

Do a Google on blue eyed rainbowfish [there are a few species ], unlike most rainbows these grow to around 2 " .