Possible To Add Cichlids?

[jpmarini3]

Hi All,
I have a 35 G tall tank, Aquaclear 70 filtration: 2 clown barbs, 1 pictus cat(3 in), 1 flying fox (< 3 in), 1 krib (2 in) and a bristlenose pleco. Was looking to possibly get another krib to breed, but figured the pictus would eat the fry. Also i know kribs get territorial when breeding, wanted to make sure I had enough bottom space/hiding for them given my current stock.

I'm not dead set on breeding, but was looking to add another cichlid if possible...would a small firemouth be too aggressive? With my current stock figured it would be ok. I'd have to add a little more plants/hiding caves.

For some reason cant seem to find rainbow cichlids or keyholes locally. any other suggestions? Thanks so much!

Joe

 

[@ombomb]

you already have stocking issues there i'm afraid

the barbs should be kept in groups and get too big for the tank

the pictus also prefers groups and needs plenty of swimming space, so a tall tank is far from ideal

flying foxes can become aggressive, particularly as they get older so not a good choice either

i would rehome the barbs, the pictus and the flying fox and then add another krib

 

[jpmarini3]

I'm switching to a 45 G, and will probably rehome the barbs. If a krib is added a divider would be a last resort if territory becomes an issue.

 

[Wills]

Its more than possible to have a breeding pair of Kribs in that size tank but its a few of the other fish that are an issue.

The Clown Barbs should work out in larger numbers - though htere are a few species with that name with varying size - any idea of the species or a photo of a similar looking fish? Flying foxes in my experience are not too aggressive if at all its their look a like Chinese Algae Eaters that are the real issue - though I could believe some bad experiences with them for some.

The main issue for me is the Pictus, they do best in groups and are really really active - I would rehome the Pictus and then look at a stocking like

2 Kribs - 1m 2f
6 Clown Barbs
1 Flying Fox
1 Bristlenose

Though then you possibly have scope to add something like a group of Zebra Loaches or Chain Loaches. In the 45g you have some other options still and a good chance to make an interesting African/Asian river tank (the BN is a bit out of place but not a problem)

Wills

 

[jpmarini3]

I'm not a big fan of tall tanks anyway, plus 45 G would give me more bottom space/options, good call. The barbs are definitely clowns.
My link

They've grown extremely fast and are voracious eaters. Literature i've seen says they grow up to 6 inches in length. I think i might get a slightly smaller fish if i still would want a schooling species. I'll keep my options open - maybe i'll stick with them.

I don't think the FF will be a problem for a while if at all. He's very small and not aggressive. It's definitely not a chinese algae eater, though i've heard of them being an issue.

Is there enough room for a 2nd pictus in the 45G so he's not alone - or is he just a bad community fish? I would hate to toss him. He's not huge as of yet - he claims a territory in the 35G but hasnt been terrible. So possibly:
2 kribs
2 pictus
some type of schoolers (4-6)
BN
FlyingFox

Thanks for all your help.

 

[Wills]

The thing with the Pictus is just that they are so big and active - an ideal number is probably 3 or more rather than a pair.

If you want to keep them - can you go bigger with the upgrade?

Wills

 

[jpmarini3]

Not a whole lot of room in my apartment but if i'm willing to go to 45 i think 55 would be possible, not much higher than that