Switching Over...

[Jake Jackson]

Well, I was told my current setup is bad, for brackish... So I need to start over, figured I'd gather some information on the cichlids before I made any other purchases.

I know only a very few select tankmates can blend w/ the cishlids... so my questions are more along the lines of how many, and how much. I know Bristlenose Catfish can be housed w/ them... So, how many? I mean are they schooling? Will they work well in a 55gal w/ Cichlids? And Synodontis catfish but how many? are they schoolers? Will they work in a 55 gal w/ the cichlids? And finally, is there any other fish that would coexist w/ thier aggresiveness?

 

[Jake Jackson]

Also, how fast can i expect the cichlids to grow? Would I be able to start w/ a 30gal and then move to a 55 gal within the first year? The fish I plan on buying will all be small, if you're familiar w/ Petsmart fish they'd probably be in the $4.00 tank

 

[demonmagus]

I think I better tell you not to buy the 'mixed cichlids', these could be anything - hybrids e.t.c. so temperament and adult colour would be uknown, also I think that most africa cichlid owners prefer 'pure', am I right?

 

[Jake Jackson]

So I shouldn't buy them from Petsmart or Petco? and try to find a local fish supplier? Is that what you're saying?

 

[demonmagus]

tbh most people think those chains are crap, if your petsmart is good though (healthwise et.c) I don't see why not.

Don't buy mixed anywhere you go though

 

[Jake Jackson]

tbh most people think those chains are crap, if your petsmart is good though (healthwise et.c) I don't see why not.

Don't buy mixed anywhere you go though

So, dont buy mixed... meaning, dont mix the subspecies or genus right?

 

[fishfishfish]

i buy from the mixed section of petsmart usually for a few of my cichlids.i just make sure i know what they are and i have the person net certain ones.as for synos, just tell me what u are looking for and i can tell u the right one.i have 2 bristle noses with mine also and they are fine.

 

[adambrum]

I have read a lot of post about the petsmarts in the US and most are not good.

IMO i would find a more specialised shop that know what there talking about.

As for compatible fish for cichlids the only ones that are advisable are the bristlenose a couple of these are fine and will keep your tank clean, most synos are ok but there are many different types with the njasse being the native catfish of lake malawi, these like to be kept in groups of at least four i have actually seen mine fight with an elongatus and win !.

Some cichlids grow very very fast so best to get a big tank to start with so they can grow together in the same environment causing less aggression problems when the get to adults.

as every one else said keep away from the mixed tanks unless you really know your species

 

[fishfishfish]

you might be able to keep a few victoria ot tanganyikas if u know ur fish.i have 2 zebra obliques from victoria in my tank 1m/1f and they hold their own.