Fish and thier Domain

[sgtbirch]

This is probably a question I needed to ask long ago. Goal: 5-7 C/S american cichlids. (maybe start off with4-5 small to mediumsmall). and couple of Pleco cats. My qestion is whats more important area or volume? for example Is a 55 gal with dimension 48x13x24(cant remember hieght) so much better than a 40 long with 48x13x18(same thing on hieght). Can you really put more fish in it. The reason I am asking I see all these varible gallon tanks with 48x13x(h depends on gallon size). Ive see anywhere from 40-72 gallons with same area. This is juat a question. I think I have already set my mind on a 75 gallon with dim 48x18x24. I chose this cause it has a larger floor space but does it really matter?? Would I still be able to get the same amount of fish in a 75 gallon 48x12x36. I was told by CM I need 48x12x20 for my nicaraguense. Is that to say they claim that much as thier domai?? I hope not. does that mean no more fish??

 

[cichlidmaster]

Excellent question sgt!!!!

Let me try to explain...........in a word...it all depends on the type of fish your keeping!!

Example:

If you keep a species that is slim/torpedo shaped body than a 40 long will work (by the way I believe a 40 long is only 16" high)

If keeping deep bodied fish such as your nics or say oscars a deeper tank is required. If it was my choice, I would go with a tank of 48x18x20 this works out to about 70 gallons or so.

When comparing a tank of 70, 75, 85, 90, 110 (all of these having the same base dimensions) I would not spend the extra money and get the 70 gallon.

You could not get the same amount of fish in a tank that is 48x12x36 that you could in a 48x18x24.

The extra height in a tank does not allow for more fish, in some peoples opinions it just makes a nicer display tank due to the height!!

When I recommended the 48x12x20, I was suggesting the minimum tank for these fish!!

Hope this helps!!!

CM

 

[sgtbirch]

Thanks for the info. It is what I had expected. How many of these types of fish is recommended for a 75 gallon 48x18x24. This is what I am currently thinking about both my nics, 1-2 firemouths, blue dempseyand maybe 1-2 more ciclids. are these fish compatable(in general I know it depends on the fish). I question the dempsey especially.
Or a simpler question can I keep 5-7 cichlids and 2 pleco cats in the 75 gal. till they get mid-size (not a full adult size). How long does it take the typical cichlid to reach full adult size anyway.
My plan buy and setup the 75 till my fish outgrow it, talk my wife into a bigger tank, and transfer everything. I need at least 9 months to talk her into it

 

[sgtbirch]

sorry about the annoying smiley icon, he sure is obnoxious

 

[cichlidmaster]

sgt,

First off how big are your nics??

If you get fish around the same size as them, then yes...they should do fine. Keep in mind you will be transferring the nics to new digs and they as well as the new fish will all start out on an even basis.

This simply means no territories to defend!!!!

As far as how many you can keep...............

Yes...7 fish of medium size will work nicely in the size tank your contemplating!! The dempsey should work alright. Dempsey's are not really that aggressive. I know some say they are, but I have had several breeding pairs in with other large fish that have spawned numerous times and did not even get overly aggressive while guarding their eggs/fry!!

Plecos.....two will work as long as they are of an average size and you provide each with it's own spots to hide!! You could not go with two that say would reach 18" or more unless you were sure to get a larger tank!!

If well fed, and good water maintenance is done, the typical cichlid will reach adult size in roughly 12-18 months.

sgt,

I will be happy to help you along on this and even assist you so you can add the fish all at once!!! Yes this can be done very easily.

CM

 

[semper fi]

one thing that you want to keepin mind when keeping the tank busters that when they are larger it is harder to find fish of comparable size to house with them. this either means keeping them in a grow out tank til they are of a decent size or adding the fish all at once and letting them grow out together.

if you are going for the dempseys, suggest that you check out the blue dempseys. they are not cross bred but bred for their colors. beautiful addition to a tank. firemouths may be a little too tame for these others you suggest til they get to a much larger size. i would put a red devil pair in with them.

jmo

maggie

 

[sgtbirch]

Semper fi whats your deal with red devils Ive noticed on several occasions you've mentioned them. Must be you them very much. Do you have a good pic of a colored up one?