I Want Your Opinions On Dwarf Cichlids

[mistyash]

I still have quite a lot of research to do, but first I'd like some opinions from people who already know what I'm going to have to spend hours learning about.

I have a 50Gallon community tank (platies, cories, 2 gourami, a couple of neon tetras that are getting re-homed, 2 bala sharks, and a few guppies). I wanted to add a pair of german blue rams, but I've been looking at some of the other apistos. If you wouldn't mind giving me your opinions, I'd appreciate it a lot. How would they do in my tank? how many? I'm just looking for one of these species, not to combine any. My Temp is 79F, and pH is 7.4, but I'm looking into trying to get it down with peat. Also, would my other fish be happy? Thanks in advance!

Apistogramma ramirezi
A. cacatuoides
A. agassizi
A. bitaeniata
A. viejita

Thanks so much!

 

[Truck]

apistogramma ramirezi is an fact - mikrogeoophagus ramirezi

i wouldnt risk adding any dwarf cichlids to a tank with silver sharks.
could we also know your GH to please?
your temp is a tad low for rams, up it to 82.5-83 and youll be fine

i would get the sharks rehomed as they will soon become skittish and aggressive

 

[stang1]

I wouldn't up the temp as your other fish prefer cooler water.
As Truck says, you would be best rehoming the Sharks as they will outgrow the tank and can be quite skittish when not kept in a group.
You could try adding bogwood to your tank which will help bring the PH down and it will also help to create caves for Dwarf Cichlids.
Apistogramma Cacatuoides are one of my favourites and are great for a community tank. They can be kept as a pair or trio but I had more success keeping them as a pair.

 

[caliper]

I know that this is not the forum to be asking about Bala Sharks, but I purchased two at my local LFS and the guy warned me about the size that they could grow to. They are now about 3 inches and wondering how quickly they will grow. I have a 36 gallon tank currently (30LX20Hx18W. I plan on purchasing/obtaining later this summer either a 55 or 75 gallon tank. The 36 gallon will always be a small tank in the kitchen and the larger one down in the basement.

 

[mistyash]

Thanks. I was afraid that it would be too cold for the GBRs, and that the other fish wouldn't like it warmer on the other hand, I did know at one point that they aren't apistos, but in all of my searching i forgot that.

My experience with bala sharks has been hopeful. I had a pair in a 35hex for several years, and they never got over 5 inches, and they were very peaceful. In any case, they can go if they need to. The only thing i couldn't say good bye to would be my Pearl Gourami, so as long as he's happy, I'm happy.

I'm sorry I don't know my GH. It's on my list of test kits to get. I did get some water tested, and the guy said it was medium. Hope that helps.

 

[Truck]

Thanks. I was afraid that it would be too cold for the GBRs, and that the other fish wouldn't like it warmer on the other hand, I did know at one point that they aren't apistos, but in all of my searching i forgot that.

My experience with bala sharks has been hopeful. I had a pair in a 35hex for several years, and they never got over 5 inches, and they were very peaceful. In any case, they can go if they need to. The only thing i couldn't say good bye to would be my Pearl Gourami, so as long as he's happy, I'm happy.

I'm sorry I don't know my GH. It's on my list of test kits to get. I did get some water tested, and the guy said it was medium. Hope that helps.

the PH should be below 7.6 and Gh below 10 for rams

 

[TigerIssey]

My experience with bala sharks has been hopeful. I had a pair in a 35hex for several years, and they never got over 5 inches, and they were very peaceful. In any case, they can go if they need to. The only thing i couldn't say good bye to would be my Pearl Gourami, so as long as he's happy, I'm happy

They did not grow any bigger as they were stunted. Please research these fish, you will find the recommended tank size and the size these fish get to. Keeping fish in too small a tank is detrimental to a fishes health and should never be done. If you have the correct size tank already, a juvenile can be raised in a smaller tank, this is the only circumstance.

Please consider the fish and take them back to an lfs.

 

[mistyash]

Thanks about the sharks. I probably will take them back--but they are a great incentive to get that HUGE tank I've always wanted