Small Cichlid Tank Stocking.

[kniesh]

Hi I recently decided to make transition from a mixed community tank to a small cichlid tank. I am gradually introducing the cichlids into the tank while re-homing its current occupents. My first buys were 3 kribs, 1 paired and a sole male. I know this isnt ideal but I tried 3 shops and this is all they had. I will be buying more of these soon. I also purchased a small cichlid that was in a tank on his own. This was a pitty buy and I do intend on buying some more once I identify him. He is a small dark grey/black about an inch long and apparently not gonna grow much bigger but will develop a black stripe. I was going to buy some rams to go in there but the guy in the shop ( not totally convinced by his knowledge) said they grow to 7-8 inches. I came back and checked for rams on another site an it says they grow to 8cm. I know there are 2 types but the other one is down as smaller on think fish. Anyway I was wondering whether anyone could help me out with stocking suggestions.

The tank is is 4ft long 40 gallon. It is well planted with plenty of rocks-caves etc... So far all i have are the 4 mentioned above, but i dont want anything that grows too big for now, thx in advance.

 

[freddyk]

Rams do only get to about 8 cm, but they are not very good tankmates for Kribs, which are much more aggressive. Be very careful what you decide to keep with your kribs because of how territorial nature, and keep in mind that cichlids from the Rift Lakes, despite being from Africa, are not good companions for Kribs because they have completely different needs and behaviors. I would try to get a second pair of Kribs so that their aggression levels will match.

 

[kniesh]

Thx for the reply. I was planning on getting a few more krib as soon as the local shops get some more in. I may get a few rams for a 26 gal (roughly), do u think that would be ok if I use it as a tank just for rams? Also do you have any suggestions about tank mates for the kribs? thx.

 

[kniesh]

Ok, I have now got 2 pairs of kribs and addd the Rams to my 26gal (still not sure whether they're rams or bolivian rams). I ran into some firemouths in the fish shop while I was there, are these ok to go in with the kribs. I have plenty of caves for both species as I planned it for a cichlid tank.

 

[freddyk]

In a four foot tank you might be able to do the firemouths with the kribs, but keep in mind that because of the size difference the kribs won't stand a chance should the FM's decide they want the tank to themselves. As always, mixing cichlids includes some risk.

 

[kniesh]

Thx, sorry to keep on here but I really do want to make sure I get this tank right. I was told by the lfs that the Rams, Firemouths and the Kribs would be ok together. That cant be right can it? I still havent bought the Firemouths as I wanted to check here first. If not can you name a few small peaceful cichlids that are compatable with the kribs as I dont really trust the lfs to tell me the truth and I dont want to kill or cause any discomfort to any fish.

 

[freddyk]

How about trying two pairs of kribs?

 

[kniesh]

Ive git 2 pairs of Kribs already. I have now got 4 Kribs, 2 pairs, 4 keyhole, not sure os sex as they;re too young 4 rams, what should be 2 pair and 2 blue cheeked dwarf cichlids, oh and that unidentified dwarf. Do u see any real big problems with any of these?

Btw this unidentified one is about 3cm long, could this be a shell dweller? Its small an very plain looking grey.