Mini Cichlids

[Bebobb]

Ok the title might sound newbish . I want to know If there is a cichlid that will survive in a 10 gallon tank its whole life with maybe another of the same type with a few snails. I want them to be avaialble locally such as like petco or walmart or petsmart.

 

[Ludwig Venter]

Cichlids are generally energetically active and need a lot of space, but I do think you'll get away with a pair of Orange Chromides on condition that you commit to at least 30% water changes every (at least) 3 days. This will allow them to reach their full mature length (3") and they may even breed if provided with flowerpot and heavily planted scenario. (if you can fit that into a 10 gal as well)

 

[kribensis12]

Multi's will do fine in there, just cycle the tank, buy abotu 100 small shells ( like a quarter a piece), and get about 4-6 and they will take care of things themselves. There are from lake Tangikya ( i think)

 

[jennybugs]

That's what I was going to suggest No idea if they'd be available from the stores you mention though.

I have some and they're great fish...they like to redecorate/move the shells about regardless of how you want them to be arranged

 

[Colin_T]

The Apistogrammas from South America will be fine in a 10gallon tank. Look at Apistogramma cacatuoides or agassizi. You can also look at Pelvicachromis sp (different types of Kribensis). One of the nicer ones is Pelvicachromis subocellatus from Moanda. Nannochromis nudiceps and transvestitus will be fine in that size tank too. Egyptian mouthbrooders will be fine as well.
If your LFS doesn’t have them in stock ask them to order some in for you. Most shops get their fishes from the same suppliers and will have access to a huge range of species. Unfortunately you often have to ask for certain fish to be brought in as the shops don't always have space to keep them or don't know what they are.

 

[kribensis12]

You could also put a Pelvachromis Taeniatus "Kienke" in there. Very very beautiful fish. Every time i see one i drool.

 

[kj23502]

10 gallon cookie cutter examples from cichlid forum:
Cookie Cutter Setup for 10-gallons
(20x10x12 in / 51x25x30 cm)

by the CF Moderators

10 gallons is not a lot to work with! Most cichlid species grow much too large for 10 gallons and so the suitable selection is very limited. We felt that it should be restricted to the dwarf shell dwellers, dwarf julies, and apistos. All of these fishes will feel most comfortable if provided with a fine, sandy substrate. Shells are necessary for the shell dwelling lamprogines. Rocky crevices or ceramic caves are recommended for the julies and apistos. All of these species are egg-layers.

Water changes should be performed religiously - 25% of the water should be replaced every week - because it doesn't require much for a 10-gallon aquarium to get out of equilibrium. A reliable heater is strongly recommended because temperature fluctuations can be quite dramatic with such a small volume. Conversely, if the heater is unreliable, your fish could be cooked in a short period of time.

Filtration should be very simple. A small hang-on-tank power filter is what we recommend. A bio-wheel is a plus. Any submersible filters are discouraged as they take up too much space in a 10-gallon aquarium. An air stone is optional.

Each of these recommended species is compatable with live plants, just don't take up too much already-limited swimming space with too many of them.


Tanganyikan Shell Dweller Aquarium

Select one group from one of the following species:

• 'Lamprologus' brevis - 1 pair
-OR-
• 'Lamprologus' similis - 1 trio
-OR-
• 'Lamprologus' multifasciatus - 1 trio

Apistogramma Aquarium

• Apistogramma cacatuoides - 1 pair
• Tanichthys albonubes "White Cloud Minnow" - 4


• Apistogramma bitaeniata - 1 pair
• Brachydanio rerio "Zebra Danio" - 6


• Apistogramma agassizii - 1 pair
• Tanichthys albonubes "White Cloud Minnow" - 4

 

[Bebobb]

10 gallon cookie cutter examples from cichlid forum:
Cookie Cutter Setup for 10-gallons
(20x10x12 in / 51x25x30 cm)

by the CF Moderators

10 gallons is not a lot to work with! Most cichlid species grow much too large for 10 gallons and so the suitable selection is very limited. We felt that it should be restricted to the dwarf shell dwellers, dwarf julies, and apistos. All of these fishes will feel most comfortable if provided with a fine, sandy substrate. Shells are necessary for the shell dwelling lamprogines. Rocky crevices or ceramic caves are recommended for the julies and apistos. All of these species are egg-layers.

Water changes should be performed religiously - 25% of the water should be replaced every week - because it doesn't require much for a 10-gallon aquarium to get out of equilibrium. A reliable heater is strongly recommended because temperature fluctuations can be quite dramatic with such a small volume. Conversely, if the heater is unreliable, your fish could be cooked in a short period of time.

Filtration should be very simple. A small hang-on-tank power filter is what we recommend. A bio-wheel is a plus. Any submersible filters are discouraged as they take up too much space in a 10-gallon aquarium. An air stone is optional.

Each of these recommended species is compatable with live plants, just don't take up too much already-limited swimming space with too many of them.


Tanganyikan Shell Dweller Aquarium

Select one group from one of the following species:

• 'Lamprologus' brevis - 1 pair
-OR-
• 'Lamprologus' similis - 1 trio
-OR-
• 'Lamprologus' multifasciatus - 1 trio

Apistogramma Aquarium

• Apistogramma cacatuoides - 1 pair
• Tanichthys albonubes "White Cloud Minnow" - 4


• Apistogramma bitaeniata - 1 pair
• Brachydanio rerio "Zebra Danio" - 6


• Apistogramma agassizii - 1 pair
• Tanichthys albonubes "White Cloud Minnow" - 4

I am getting some shell dwellers! Do you think they will eat any ghost shrimp? I am buying them off the internet! So a pair would be fine correct? coulc I get the shells at walmart? Where could I get them? I don't remember them being there.

 

[kribensis12]

I would get more like 5 females and 1 male. As he could easily stress her out if you only get 1 or 2.

 

[dthoffsett]

You can pick the shells up at any gourmet food store. Most shelly keepers use escargot shells.

 

[kribensis12]

You can buy shells at your lfs for 10 cents for a tiny one and 25 cents for a medium one. I ahve no idea how cheap the escargot shells are though.