Just a question?

swimmy103

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What would u say the minimun (us)gallon tank size is for a cichlid tank? and what would u suggest for some one who is new to cichlids?
 
swimmy, the minimum size for a cichlid tank really depends on which cichlid you want.

On the smallest end of the scale the minimum size for Apistogramma is about 10 gallons.

On the other end of the scale the minimum size for a Dovii is about 200 gallons.
 
i really would like to set up a cichlid tank with one of my spare 20's, i have a long, and a normal witch one would u go with? and what fish?
 
I don't know how you define "cichlid tank", but a pair of apistogramma or rams with some tetras and a few small catfish would work in a 20g tank. That kinda what you were thinking about?
 
i was just thinking of a tank with all cichlids, and mayb 2 corys.

thecichlidaddict
you have any more ideas?
 
here I am!

Unfortunately you are very limited. The 20 is a long or a tall? I'm going to assume, until I am corrected, that it is a tall.

As far as New World cichlids go you don't have much choice. Apistogramma and Rams are about it. The benefit of these guys, as mentioned already, is that you have the option of other non cichlid tankmates.

You also have the option of a small Tanganyikan African set up. You can do one pair of shell dwellers along with one pair of small rock dwellers like Dwarf Comprecisseps, Caudopuncatus, or Lepidiolamprologus hecqui. In addition you can likely get away with a few danios and a bristlenose pleco with them. If this interests you then you should definetly start some research on Tanganyikan cichlids, and I can help you in greater detail as well.

The fact is that cichlids require space, and the more space that can be provided, the more rewarding they are to keep.
 
No. I'd put it more as you can get away with convicts in a 20, but doing well is different. I would not put convicts in anything less then 30. And I don't mean the 29, which is too tall.
 
i have both a 20gallon long, and tall. witch one would be better? what type of cichlids are they that r often found in petsmart? i want a tank with some colors, so i deffinintally want to start a cichlid tank, i would really liike it if they were the only thing in there.
 
Africans and New Worlds both range from very small to quite large, but there is a larger variety of smaller africans. Unfortunately most of them still need larger tanks because of aggression.

The 20 long is definetily superior the the tall for cichlids. The foot print (length and width) is much more important then height, as most cichlids stick near the bottom anyway.

Once common fish that you will probably find at petsmart is Labidochromis Caeuleus (aka yellow lab, electric yellow, and sometimes lemon cichlid. They are nice fish in both looks and temperment, and you can squeeze in about 4 or 5 into the 20 long.

Lab_caeruleus_11.jpg
 

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