Starter Chiclid

[ncguppy830]

as seen on my other thread i just got a 55 gallon and was looking for my stock , didnt like the idea of chiclids but now there comin to me i wnt  densley planted tank with hiding places and ive never had chiclids before so any good starter chiclids that are good in planted aquariums?

 

[mrhidley]

My first were Angelfish, I still have the pair and they've been very easy to look after. I've also had Bolivian Rams in the past, but the Angels were certainly easier to keep.

 

[Wills]

You will want to go for dwarfs or open water cichlids as a lot of others will spend their time pecking the ground looking for food. Open water cichlids are things like Angels and Festivums. Dwarfs there are dozens of options, Keyholes, Laetacaras, Bolivian Rams, Nannacaras, Apistogrammas, Chckerboards, Cupids etc
 
Wills

 

[ncguppy830]

thx i was looking to keep cherry barbs with them does this matter

 

[mrhidley]

Depends on what Cichlid you decide on, if it'll fit in their mouth, they'll probably eat it. Although i had three cherries in with my Angels when they were small, and they were not interested at all.

 

[ncguppy830]

well i like the idea of angels so lets say them

 

[mrhidley]

well i like the idea of angels so lets say them

 
Cherry barbs are similarly sized to Neon tetras, which are the Angel's prey of choice in the wild. So just keep in mind that once they get large enough the angels might eat them. Although i would suggest that as with most Cichlids, it depends on the individual.
I have found Ruby barbs to be an excellent companion for Angels despite their small size.

 

[ncguppy830]

ok so whats the reccomended schooling fish to keep with angels?

 

[mrhidley]

Personally, mine are in with Ruby Barbs, Bosemani Rainbows and Silver Dollars. I've had no issue with any of these.
 
A school of Dwarf Rainbows would look great in a 55g

 

[ncguppy830]

how about scirrortail rasbora other sugestions

 

[mrhidley]

I hadn't considered that, but yes, i think they'd be appropriate. You'll be fine with anything over a couple of inches long i should think. Angel's are fairly passive and peaceful (although they can get territorial with each other). Be aware of potential fin-nippers though.

 

[ncguppy830]

ok so tiger barbs a no go

so what would be a good stock list of a 55 gall with angels

 

[mrhidley]

ok so tiger barbs a no go

 
Tiger barbs can be OK, in large enough numbers they are better behaved. But i'm not sure how large the shoal would need to be. I saw a video on here yesterday with Tiger Barbs and Angels together, i shall see if i can find it.

 

[ncguppy830]

ok

 

[mrhidley]

here http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbOh9Ew_ttc