Ive heard abillion different things; all i want to know is how many cichlids can i put into a 20 gallon tank? Ive got 6 babies in there now, none of them are going to get extremely large, only to about 4 inches. THANKS!
2006-09-25 06:40:31 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
Depending on what kind of cichlids you have (and if they're aggressive or semi-aggressive), that setup simply won't work. Actually, it doesn't even depend on the kinds of cichlids - it just won't work.
Cichlids, even when they stay small, need a large amount of space and filtration to keep up with their waste output. Not only that, in smaller spaces with inadequate planting and hiding spots, you are going to see a great deal of aggression.
You are going to need a much larger tank (55-gallon or larger) as they grow if you want to see them live their full lives.
2006-09-25 06:47:32 · answer #1 · answered by birdistasty 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cichlids, especially african cichlids, are exempt from the "1 inch of fish per gal" rule of thumb, due to their social, aggressive, and territorial nature. Cichlids like mbuna, for example, are sometimes purposely overstocked.
If your cichlids are african, you can keep them in the 20-gal until they get about 2"-2.5". At that size they become sexually mature, ramp up in aggression and will require a large tank for adequate territory and space for territory avoidance.
These fish will eventually require 55gal or larger depending on species. If you have particularly aggressive species, by the time the strongest one reaches 4", it'll be the only fish in the 20gal if tank size isn't upgraded.
2006-09-25 11:04:39 · answer #2 · answered by Kay B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
as mentioned above, the standard rule is one inch of fish per gallon. You should always consider the eventual adult size of the fish and not the size at purchase since they're usually babies. I've heard though that if you have a well planted aquarium, you can be a lot more liberal on the inch/gallon rule however I have no ahrd eveidence of that. I can tell you that my own aquarium is overpopulated and it's not my sish that are suffering but rather my plants.
2006-09-25 07:44:30 · answer #3 · answered by bucky 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Here the billionth and one answer; one gallon per inch of fish. However Cichlids are very teritorial make sure there are plenty of hiding places for the shy ones,also don't mix african's with South american's they normally don't do well together.
2006-09-25 08:05:04 · answer #4 · answered by wdrczyk 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
what knid of cichlids most do get pretty big they say a fish every 5 gallons but not really sure it all depends on the fish
2006-09-25 06:45:20 · answer #5 · answered by C live 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The general rule of thumb is one inch of fish per gallon of water (except for goldfish which are dirtier), so it sounds like you should be fine (maybe a little bit over, but as long as you are dilligent about keeping the water and filter clean, you should have no problems).
2006-09-25 06:48:24 · answer #6 · answered by Stephanie H 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The norm has always been 1 to 1
One gallon - One fish
2006-09-25 07:53:04 · answer #7 · answered by AL 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I HAVE HEARD 1 INCH FOR EVERY GALLON OF WATER SO YOU COULD HAVE 20 1 INCH FISH OR 2 10-INCH FISH THAT IS WHAT I KEEP MY TANK AT A INCH PER GALLON!
HOPE THAT THIS HELPS YOU OUT!
2006-09-25 07:10:35 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
It comes to 1" of fish to a gal of water
2006-09-25 13:55:12 · answer #9 · answered by kvn_klng 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋