30g Cichlid Stocking

[RyanV]

Just got a new aquarium for a great deal! It is a 30G or 115L and has a white sand substrate. I was planning on using rocks on the bottom, because I remember hearing that's the natural environment for cichlids. My question now is what kinds of cichlids. The only ones I have ever had are bolivian rams, so I don't know much about any others. What are your suggestions?

 

[Spurry]

when you say cichlids what do you mean

lake malawi ?
lake victoria ?
lake tanganyika ?

new world ?
african ?

115lts is to small really for cichlids, bolivian rams you would normally ad to a tropical setup......

 

[ScholasticSpastic]

when you say cichlids what do you mean

lake malawi ?
lake victoria ?
lake tanganyika ?

new world ?
african ?

115lts is to small really for cichlids, bolivian rams you would normally ad to a tropical setup......

Going to have to disagree with you. There are so many cichlid species out there that you can find one for just about any tank size- even down to 10 gallons.

But I'd also be interested in finding out whether there was some preference regarding the sort of cichlids we're talking about for this tank.

 

[Electric Warrior]

Lots of rocks would be good for a lot of Africans, but don't matter so much to a lot of New Worlds. In a 30G, you could do a setup of a few dwarf cichlids easily. Also a lot of africans will need quite hard, alkaline water, while a lot of the new worlds prefer a softer, and more neutral/acidic environment, so knowing what your water parameters are in your area might narrow your decision?

 

[RyanV]

I really do not know much of the differences between the two other than the water, and to be honest I can accommodate for either, using my RO system for new worlds and my tap for africans as the water is already quite alkaline.

Will I be able to find small enough cichlids in both new worlds or afircan? Or for 'example' are there only small cichlid specices in the african?

The guy at the LFS today recommended Aulonocara SP and Tanganykan cichlids.

I have heard of dwarf cichlids also before, such as Apistogrammas, where do these come from?

 

[Spurry]

Aulonocara SP, are peacocks and grow 6" so IMO they are to big for 115lts

Tanganykan again most will grow to big

Apistogrammas are South American I've only ever had a pair in with tropical some people I no have kept different types so that may work

You can get African dwarfs such as saulosi they grow to 4" but again IMO you would need 180lts min due to having to keep them in big groups due to agressive nature

As you say with ro water you can change to what ever is needed

 

[RyanV]

Would different types of Apistogrammas work? Suck as Apistogramma Hongsloi and Apistogramma agassizii ..etc. Could these even be mixed with like rams?

 

[Spurry]

I'm not sure Ryan will have to wait for the Apistogrammas
Experts to advise

 

[RyanV]

Okay, no problem

 

[thereverendturtle]

Generally I don't recommend keeping more than one species of apistogramma to a tank. It can be done, but you have to be careful not to mix species that are closely related, as they may hybridize.
In a 30 gallon I would do something like this....

1- trio Apistogramma sp. your choice.
1- pair of rams
1- pair of laetacara
12- small tetras (ember, phantoms, cardinals, or any other you like)
1- bushynose pleco or 6 oto cats

This gives 12" of floor space per species, which seems to work well. The tetras will act as dithers for the shy dwarves. This will give you a nicely balanced look to your tank.
Use driftwood, rocks and plants to create lots of territorial boundaries. Keep the pH between 6&7 and fairly soft and your fish will show great colors and live happy lives.
A temp of 76-78 will suit these fish well, unless you go with blue rams or one of the color variants, then raise the temp to 80-82.

 

[RyanV]

Generally I don't recommend keeping more than one species of apistogramma to a tank. It can be done, but you have to be careful not to mix species that are closely related, as they may hybridize.
In a 30 gallon I would do something like this....

1- trio Apistogramma sp. your choice.
1- pair of rams
1- pair of laetacara
12- small tetras (ember, phantoms, cardinals, or any other you like)
1- bushynose pleco or 6 oto cats

This gives 12" of floor space per species, which seems to work well. The tetras will act as dithers for the shy dwarves. This will give you a nicely balanced look to your tank.
Use driftwood, rocks and plants to create lots of territorial boundaries. Keep the pH between 6&7 and fairly soft and your fish will show great colors and live happy lives.
A temp of 76-78 will suit these fish well, unless you go with blue rams or one of the color variants, then raise the temp to 80-82.

Thank you so much! That list is perfect to go off of

I would like to have blue rams in that mix and you mentioned a higher temp for them, are the other fish also okay with that?

 

[Spurry]

There you go Ryan that sounds like a plan, make sure you show us the photos when your all set up

Good look mate

Here is one of mine I had

I now have these

 

[RyanV]

Beautiful fish I can't wait! Just got some rocks today, and will try to find driftwood later.

 

[thereverendturtle]

Yes, the other fish I listed will do fine at those temps. It's the upper limit of their range, but will live just fine.

 

[RyanV]

Hey guys, here is what the tank looks like so far, I also added a black background today. I am planning on getting some wood tomorrow, but do you guys think I should maybe have more rocks too? I also currently have a penguin 200 hob filter on it, should I add a circulation pump? I'm not sure if cichlids would prefer more flow or not.

Edit: Started the cycle today too