Red Devil Cichlids

[Nico]

I`ve got a 30 gallon tank that is currently being cycled in and I want to to put a Red Devil in it.
I`ve read that you need at least 50 gallons but I`ve seen these fish live in tanks smaller than the 3` item I`ve got.
Is there something I`m missing?
I really want this this type of fish but don`t have room for a bigger tank where I live.
Any input?
Cheers...

 

[cichlidmaster]

IMO/E a red devil needs at minimum a 55 gallon tank.

A 30 gallon will not supply it with enough room.

CM

 

[floater]

nico the red devil is a very active and terriotorial fish. When you bring him home he may only be 2 or 3 inches but he will gro rapidly and in a few years you ill be looking at a 12 inch fish with hardly enough room to turn around. They love to have alot of space it makes them feel safe. They build a den in a corner of the tank where they sleep and retreat if scared ( not often)... I would say if ya have no other choice as far as tank size then you may need to consider a different fish.

 

[Nico]

Thinking of starting with a juvenile fish, 3-4" and letting it grow. I`ll be getting a new place in the next year with enough space fo a big tank. Would it be ok to upsize as it gets bigger or does it need BIG space to start?

 

[smb]

You can upsize as it grows. It will probably be 6" within the first year tho. You also won't be able to keep any other fish with it in a tank that small. He'll be a real terror as he matures.

It's a great fish and I know you'll love it but please get as big a tank as possible for it. Actually, a 75g isn't much more than a 55g at some places so you might want to go with that. Being that it will grow up alone, you still probably won't be able to keep anything with it, but it will be a lot more active and expressive in a bigger tank.

 

[Nico]

Well, I`ve got him (Juvenile male, 3 1/2" long) Looks real happy and active, I`ve planned to keep him alone, on your advice.
Seems to be eating well, though he`s just chewing up little feeders and spitting them out. Is this normal or should I wait till he gets hungrier before I offer live fish? He`s eating worms and pellets voraciously.
He`s already dug out a space under a driftwood structure that he`s calling home, watch out if you go near there!