if i have a 10 gallon how many cichlids can I keep in it??

Question

so far i have 3 little cichilds that are about an 1 1/2 in size. I am planing in geting 2 more what do you guys think?? i no im suppose to get a bigger tank but since they are still small does that matter?? what do you guys recommend?

Answer 1

I have to side with Jackp1ne on this - most cichlids will grow far too large, and be far too aggressive to keep in your tank. You might be able to keep a pair of African shell-dwellers in the tank, but not much else on a long term basis.

Some other resources for finding what type(s) you have and the size tank they'll need:
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/categ.cfm?pCatId=831
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/scateg.cfm?pCatId=889
http://www.fishprofiles.com/profiles/list.aspx?category=5

Answer 2

None. An adult cichlid needs 30-50 gallons of water per fish. Even at the 1 1/2 size they are now, these three cichlids should have at least 20 gallons of water and as they grow, just these three cichlids could need as much as 150 gallons of water, depending on what species you have. With cichlids, giving this amount of space is not only about their waste, but it is also about the fact that cichlids are very territorial and they need to have a certain amount of room in a tank that they can stake out as their own. If they do not have this, turf wars will soon break out. So, don't get any more cichlids, or any fish for that matter. As it is, if you can't get a larger tank, and assuming they even live to grow much larger, you are going to need to eventually get rid of all of these fish.

Answer 3

When it comes to Cichlids the more you have the less agressive they are to each other in a ten gallon tank i have seen as many as 10 to 15. You need plenty of rocks and cave areas for the fish. I would recommend that you get no more than 7 or 8. As long as you keep them fed well either with small guppies or brine shrimp they should do fine without attacking each other.

Answer 4

Cichlids have no business being kept in a 10 gallon tank.
This is just plain cruel. Buy them a roomy environment, and dont crowd these extremely territorial fish together at all. It would be like having to share a two bedroom apartment with
a about 10 known criminals, all wanting to steal everything you had and kill you, as soon as your back was turned. The only time these fish can relax is when the lights are out!

Answer 5

You should even have ONE in there. You need to get a bigger tank BEFORE you buy fish that get so big! Those fish will easily need 20-30 gallons of space EACH very soon! Stop buying fish and start buying tanks!

Answer 6

What kind of cichlids do you have,we need to know that before anyone can give you a good answer.There are some smaller relatively peaceful cichids that would be alright in your tank and others that need much more room.If you don't know the type you have try describing them or looking on either of these web sites for a picture.
http://www.malawimayhem.com/
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/

Answer 7

Well if raised in proper conditions your chichlids will live longer, but even though they are small now they will grow HUGE! So right now your are risking stunting their little organs and having them die an early death, Get a new tank, return your fish and get 1 fancy goldfish, 6 guppies, platys or swoardtails.
Hope I could help!

Answer 8

You don't need anymore fish. Each fish needs more gallons to itself then that. Get at least a 25 gallon tank before you consider getting even one more fish.

Answer 9

it really depends on what type of cichlids that they are. especially if they are aggressive. if they are small, like they get 2 inches long, you can't get any more cichlids. unless you want your tank to be overcrowded. good luck with your fish!!

Answer 10

You could have up to 15-20 in one 10 gallon tank