Cichlids

[Helen Louise]

Can you keep any of the Cichlids in a community tank with other robust fish? (Not Neons )
I have a 36 x 15 x 18 Tank I would of loved to have set up a Mbuna tank but being borderline size I don't think it would of worked out so I am loking at setting up a community tank & I am just throwing ideas around at the moment

Helen

 

[SlowSwim]

Yep you can do.

But it does depend on what kind of cichlid can go with what.

Give us a list of the fish you like.. including the fish you want to keep with the cichlids.

And me or someone else will tell what will go with what?

- matt

 

[modernhamlet]

Can you keep any of the Cichlids in a community tank with other robust fish? (Not Neons )
I have a 36 x 15 x 18 Tank I would of loved to have set up a Mbuna tank but being borderline size I don't think it would of worked out so I am loking at setting up a community tank & I am just throwing ideas around at the moment

Helen

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With a small number of exceptions, mbuna belong with other mbuna. They have a different diet, different water, and most importantly different behavior from non-rift lake fish.

You can successfully keep some mbuna in a 36x15 tank or you can have a nice community tank. My suggestion would be to decide which way you would like to go and we can offer you advice from there.

 

[Helen Louise]

To be honest I'm on a completely clean slate at the moment! the tank has just been set up or should I say reset up as its been laying idle for months, scrubbed clean, new filter media (internal filter) etc etc I'm trying to get my head around this fishless cycling which sounds very interesting & I might give it a go I have a load of black gravel in a bucket which I'm debating whether to use or buy something different, I've never had much luck growing plants so thats up in the air

I'm not really interested in Neons/Guppies/Platies etc
A list of liked fish!
Angel Fish
Flag Cichlids
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
Firemouths
Rams (really like them)
Kribs

theres a few to be getting on with

Helen

 

[Helen Louise]

Sorry forgot to mention it does not have to be Mbuna Cichlids
I'm beginning to wonder if this should be under the other Cichlid thread now!!!
Helen

 

[modernhamlet]

Given the list of contenders perhaps, but that's alright. It may get moved. In the meantime, that's a great list of fish you've got. Any one of them would make for a great centerpiece in your tank. Unfortunately, you're probably going to have to narrow that list down from 6 to 1, due to their territorial nature.

Now that said, I think you'll be able to build a great tank around your chosen species. Just add some compatible and interesting schooling fish and perhaps a ground dweller species depending on the cichlid. Since the fish listed vary in territory and aggression level, that will impact what tankmates make the most sense.

Good luck narrowing the list down though. Not an enviable proposition!

 

[Helen Louise]

Could you possibly tell me which are the most agressive? in decending order down to the least or the one which would be more compatible with a larger group of tropicals it would help narrow my choice
I do like the firemouths but in reality due to their size it would cut down the amount of other fish in the tank, so I'm hovering between the Rams, Angels & the Kribs
Many Thanks

Helen

 

[modernhamlet]

Could you possibly tell me which are the most agressive? in decending order down to the least or the one which would be more compatible with a larger group of tropicals it would help narrow my choice
I do like the firemouths but in reality due to their size it would cut down the amount of other fish in the tank, so I'm hovering between the Rams, Angels & the Kribs
Many Thanks
Helen

None of these species are considered "aggressive", at least by cichlid standards. (By way of example, Convicts and Jack Dempseys are not on this list.) All can be done in some form of "community" tank. That said, individual fish personalities and spawning behavior should be taken into account as well and even the mild-mannered ram can become a bit of a demon when defending fry.

Other than aggression, size should be a factor in deciding what to keep.

Firemouths, Angels, and Flag Cichlids: Any of these fish is going to be among the largest you should keep in your tank. All should do fine with most community fish, but avoid small tetras like neons. Basically, these guys are going to be the focus of the tank and the supporting cast should be small and able to handle the ocassional aggression from a bigger fish.

Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid, Rams, and Kribs are all dwarf cichlids. Apistogramma agassizi and Mikrogeophagus Ramirez would both make great community tank members and will share the stage a little bit more. Kribs are great until they begin spawning, at which point they can really terrorize a tank. Tankmates should be fast and robust.

Given you mentioned liking them in particular, I'd suggest the Rams if you're looking for a calm, peaceful community tank and Firemouths if you'd like a more active tank with larger species.

 

[Helen Louise]

Many Thanks for your help I think I will stick to the Rams then I can have a more of a selection of other fish

Helen