3 cichlids in a 10 gallon tank (edited question)?

Question

i have 2 african chiclids ranging from a inch to a inch and a half(half a inch wide) and a blue acara about 2 and a half inches (inch wide) when should i get a bigger tank and wut size

Answer 1

You shouldn't keep them together. The Blue acara is a south american cichlid and requires totally different water chemistry than the africans. Go for a 30 gallon for the africans and at least that size tank for the Blue acara if you decide to keep him.

MM

Answer 2

What type of African cichlids? These can range from the small shell-dwellers to the great big frontosas.

Some of the shell-dwellers grow to about 2" and you could have maybe 6 or 7 of them in your 10 gallon (they, unlike most fish, like to be slightly overstocked // cuts down on aggression)

The frontosa can get over 12" and as such would need a VERY large tank, for 2 approximately 75 gallons. There are many different varieties, sizes, temperaments in between.

Your acara will get to be about 8" if cared for properly and not stunted in the tank. He is a New World cichlid, however, and does not like the high PH your Africans will thrive in. Minimum tank size 55 gallons.

Answer 3

The Blue Acara is not a good tankmate for the other fish. You need to decide on keeping the african cichlids or the Acara. I would then suggest going with a 55 gallon. You can get 55 gallon starter kits for not too much money. Get it as soon as possible.

Answer 4

at least a 20 gallon long if you are just keeping the 2 africans. they will need big rocks too to help make and seperate territories. they can be very aggresive. most africans grow between 4-6 inches.
you might want to consider getting rid of the acara they grow to eight inches long.

or you could get about a 29 gallon tank but there would be fighting as this is only a 20 gallon long tank thats taller. the chiclids make there territories on the bottom. if you just do the 20 gall get 2 more african chichlids and get rid of the acara.
you could get a 30 long and keep what you have now too.

Answer 5

Your tank size is completely inadequate for the fish you have (I doubt you have shell-dwellers). You didn't specify what TYPE of african cichlids you have. The best answer to your question requires that information.

Unless you have a species of african cichlid which pairs up (some do, many do not) then it's highly likely the most dominant of the two will kill the other (most african cichlids don't fare well long-term when kept in small groups due to associated aggression problems).

You need a 55gal+ tank MINIMUM, plus more african cichlids. Trade in the acara.

Answer 6

well they only need about a 20 gallon tank long. but u could get a bigger size.