i want to keep some form of cichlids in a 20 gallon tall i have now because in a shorttime i will have a new 55 gallon to put them in soooo....(ten minutes later) ooooooooooo:
what cichlid can i have
how many
it has to be readily available
it has to accept regular flake
and can withstand mild algae growth (it helps me and makes the diy bacground pretty nice)
2007-10-27 04:46:47 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
ok you might mispercieve what im telling you the 55 gallon is not for the cichlids its for a couple fish i have in the 20 gallon now
2007-10-27 04:56:38 · update #1
most cichlids need any where between 30 an 55 gallons at the min. You might want to think about another fish unless you are only keeping a couple. I love Kenyi's but I wouldn't keep more than a couple in a 20 gallon. 20 Gallons sounds good for a puffer and you could put other fish like tetra or other small fish in with it. He may eat them but that depends on the breed. I have a figure eight with about 10 rainbow tetra in a 30 gallon and he does not bother them but figure eights are very calm. Other puffers will maul anything, even mice!.
2007-10-27 18:22:50 · answer #1 · answered by royalty024 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Since you will eventually have a 55 gal tank you can keep any Cichlid that isn't going to get more than about 8" long. I have a feeling someone might suggest getting an Oscar. Don't even consider that as they grow to be up to 14" long. Some of the ones that I like that you could consider are...
Firemouths
Jack Dempseys
Blue Acaras
Green Terrors
Rainbow Cichlids
From Lake Malawi...
Electric Yellows
Aurora Cichlids
Auratus Cichlids
If you keep any from the top group I suggest getting just a pair of one type. For the bottom group you should mix up 1 male and 3 or 4 females of one type. Also Auratus Cichlids are very aggressive. Hope this helps.
2007-10-27 12:38:14 · answer #2 · answered by Dustinius 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are thousands of types of cichlids, so it's hard to narrow it down. It might help to know how you want to decorate the tank. You may want to create rock piles in which case Malawi cichlids are best, or you may want lots of plants and other decoration, in which case dwarf riverine cichlids would suit. Or you may want a sparser tank with just a couple of caves and the odd decoration, in which case certain new world cichlids would be best.
Stick to smaller types, flakes are messy and difficult for larger. Make sure you research whatever species you get because there is a lot to know about cichlids to keep them properly.
If you go with larger types, or Malawi cichlids, then you really should wait until you get the new tank before even bothering - they can grow fast and get very aggressive (depending on species) so starting in a small tank isn't always a great options.
Visit www.cichlid-forum and you'll find all sorts of information, cichlid profiles, articals, and cichlid fanatics.
Algae growth is very healthy for any and all tanks - the only thing wrong with it is that people don't like to look at it.
2007-10-27 11:53:59 · answer #3 · answered by Ghapy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no angelfish, they need a 30 gallon high
you could try to get some apistos
or
german rams
they are readily available and you could put 2 pairs in your tank
but you will also need live plants for them, because they like to hide in there
and when breeding time comes around, you will see eggs on the gravel
Hope that helps
Good luck
EB
2007-10-27 15:59:42 · answer #4 · answered by Kribensis lover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
4-6 angelfish
2007-10-27 14:01:28 · answer #5 · answered by TopPotts 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
try breed Flower Horn it's one of Cichlids member
2007-10-27 12:30:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋