Cichlids in my tank?

[Chribela]

I have a 20gal(tall), I have enough slate rock to make plenty of hiding spots. I was wondering if I could put one or two small cichlids in my tank with my iridescent shark?

 

[Dwarfs]

I don't think that tank is enough room for the I. shark itself. They can pass 2-3 feet long

 

[astroboy]

The shark will not do well in a tank that small.

If you take out the shark, a couple small shelldwellers may fit. But you'd have to raise the ph so its suitable for cichlids.

 

[Chribela]

He doesn't seem to grow that much, plus he is so cool, hopefully he durvives the ich.


BTW what fish is in ur sig?

 

[Cody]

chribela u could get some mbunas but ur i. shark will not survive but it will be a colorful tank, and thats a senegal bichir in dwarfs sig

 

[Dwarfs]

Yes it is Polypterus senegalus

 

[Chribela]

but don't most cichlids geta long well with catfish? and i thought that technically the i. shark is a catfish

 

[CFC]

Your tank is too small for the ID shark, as you know ID sharks are catfish of the Pangasius family and can grow to 3 feet or more, the reason your shark doesnt appear to be growing is because its tank is too small and it is being stunted which will kill it.

20g is too small for most cichlids, as suggested you could keep Tanganykian shelldwellers but with anything else the tank will not offer enough floor space for territories. Small tanks are not suitable for large or territorial fish, stick to small community fish like platies and tetras.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

I agree with CFC, that is too small for most cihclids. Especially as the tank is tall, that leaves less territory. I don't know much about mbuna but I would never put them in a 20gallon tall, they are very aggressive and need a fairy large, overstocked tank to keep them happy.

You could get a pair of rams in a tank that size I think, some people keep them in a 10gallon but I am not sure if that's a good idea.

HTH

 

[Ben]

get rid of the ID shark and put 2 pairs of rams

 

[CFC]

Two pairs of rams in a 20 tall!!!? Your kidding right? You may get away with a single male/female pair but that would be the limit.

 

[Ben]

**** did i say 2 pairs, i ment 2 rams, woops

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