Red Blood Parrots

[jordan barnhart]

I never really liked these things but I am going through the fish I don't like I end up buying phase. I've already suckerd myself into buying 4 guppies for my 55 gallon. Is that weird or what.

Anyways, I am about to score another 55 gallon here shortly. I want to know if I can keep two adult blood parrots in this tank. That will be the only two fish in there. Or even one if possible. I don't know a lot about these and I am researching these beauties.

All I know is Petco has a huge stock of healthy 2-5 inch RBPs in a giant flatback hex tank on the ground heavily planted with Amazon Swords and Banana Plants for sale in it also.

Would a 75 gallon be better for these fish as it is about 5-6 inches deeper.

I would also like to know any special substrate these guys prefer, plants, food, and water parameters.

I'll get to researching these on my own later but I wanted to come here first because I feel I can trust you all to help me with my decision and options.

 

[parker313]

Yes, 2 adults would be just fine in a 75, and could probably be fine in a 55g, but definitely no smaller. They are hard to predict temper wise, some can be as aggressive as you'd expect a NW Cichlid to be, but some can be docile and make nipping targets of tiger barbs!

Soft acidic water is going to work best, I wouldn't get too set on plants b/c they can dig them up and make a mess.

 

[jordan barnhart]

I will go pick up a couple here this week to go in my 55 gallon. I will also pick up a new bristlenose to help control algae. I will keep potted Amazon Swords in this tank and the fish I pick up will be around the 2-3inch range. I am going to go with some sand and fluorite for the plants. This tank will be a fun new thing for me. Never kept NW cichlids before except my Oscar. Pics will be posted as soon as I pick these guys up. I have a lot of established filter media so cycling won't take long. thanks for info

 

[parker313]

Good luck

 

[dothedew]

In a 55, you should be able to have 2 BPs, a school of larger tetras (e.g. skirted), a bnose, and a school of cories. I have been told that by quite a few sources.

 

[jordan barnhart]

Yes! I have been looking into that. I am for sure getting the 2 RBPs and bristlenose.

I am wanting 6 black skirt tetras and 6 corydoras trilianteus(spelling?)

 

[jordan barnhart]

Have to wait on my RBPs. LFS is sold out, but I bought all my other fishies. My pleco is so cute. Pics will come soon. I also made the switch to sand. Looks really great.

I have 8 black skirt tetras, 6 bronze corys, 1 bristlenose plec, and a few crayfish I caught in my creek that have eaten all the hair algae! I love them. LOL

I am building a new stand and canopy too so I will have pictures in a few days on my new setup.