Wanted: Filter Advice.

[jenis]

Hello,
I'm looking for thoughts on the best filter unit for a cichlid. The one I have now came with the tank when I got it for xmas a few years ago, i'd like to get a better one.
It's for a 10 gallon tank for one fish, not sure if that makes a difference or not. I may at a pleco and/or cory someday, but I doubt it.
Any opinions are welcome.
Thanks.

 

[shroob]

10G is too small for a single convict let alone a plec. Your best option would be to upgrade the tank first, then the filter. Or better yet, both at the same time. I'm sure you can find a 20/29 gallon tank for cheap, that would be much better than the 10G they are currently in.

 

[darkwolf29a]

A male convict in a 10 gallon will have issues with any fish you put in there. A female MIGHT be ok by herself, but I wouldn't add anything else. Honestly, the tank is too small for that fish. You won't stunt them, as it is technically large enough. However, I view it as you living in a cardboard box...you can do it, but would you want to?

I'd get a 20 gallon for it, since it would be fine in there. Just be careful, unless you want babies...stay away from a pair. I have a pair I'm trying to get rid of, since they spawn worse than rabbits.

 

[jenis]

I have spke to a man who has had cichilds for over 30 yeas and I voiced my conserns about a 10 gallon being too small for one and he told me not to worry at all, I have seen how mean these litlle buggers can be which is why I said I doubt I will add anything else.
I cannot upgrade to anything larger then a 10 gallon, I do not have the room.

I do not currently have an adult cichlid in a 10 gallon tank. I have a 10 gallon tank full of babies (3 months old) and would love to keep one.
Sadly the rest will be off to a pet store as I couldn't find a fish group in my area. (thanks for the advice in my other thread )

I don't want a pair we just gave ours away! No more babies!

Thank you for your advice, but I'm saving one from a pet store and like I said I doubt I'll add anything to the tank because I know how agressive these fish are and you are right, addding another fish wouldn't make it any better.

So could anyone suggest a good filter?

 

[bobross]

There's not a whole lot of difference in size between a 10 & 20g. You must be working with a small surface area if you can't at lease upgrade to a 20g. No offense, but cramming a convict into a 10g isn't necessarily saving it from anything. It sounds a little harsh but that's my opinion.


Example: One of my first fish was a kissing fish and my first tank was a 10g. I thought I was doing the fish a favor by bringing it home from a crowded tank and giving it 10g to itself. It didn't take long to realize that was not enough room for it.
Now granted a kissing gourami gets bigger than a convict, I feel a convict would be happier in a bigger space. I understand if don't have room, but again, what's 10 extra gallons?


Sorry for being a dick about it, just my opinion.


BobRoss

Example


edited to add link

 

[jenis]

There's not a whole lot of difference in size between a 10 & 20g. You must be working with a small surface area if you can't at lease upgrade to a 20g. No offense, but cramming a convict into a 10g isn't necessarily saving it from anything. It sounds a little harsh but that's my opinion.


Example: One of my first fish was a kissing fish and my first tank was a 10g. I thought I was doing the fish a favor by bringing it home from a crowded tank and giving it 10g to itself. It didn't take long to realize that was not enough room for it.
Now granted a kissing gourami gets bigger than a convict, I feel a convict would be happier in a bigger space. I understand if don't have room, but again, what's 10 extra gallons?


Sorry for being a dick about it, just my opinion.


BobRoss

Example


edited to add link

You arn't being a dick, I have a very small desk I honestly cannot fit anything larger then a 10 gallon. The desk is the only place I have for the tank. and I'll have to but sone books under the shelf part to hold the weight. If the tank were any wider it would not fit on the shelf at all.

I have been getting mixed responses! Some people say that it's totally fine, though it seems everyone on here says it's not.

 

[fishwatcher]

I'm not sure what side of the fence to be on in this discussion, so I'll just answer the question about the filter. I'd go with a HOB filter rated for a 20g+. Since it's an external filter it will give a little more space and since the fish is larger I'd go with the higher filtration rating.
Whichever you decide (to keep it or not), I hope it all works out for you.

 

[jenis]

I'm not sure what side of the fence to be on in this discussion, so I'll just answer the question about the filter. I'd go with a HOB filter rated for a 20g+. Since it's an external filter it will give a little more space and since the fish is larger I'd go with the higher filtration rating.
Whichever you decide (to keep it or not), I hope it all works out for you.

Thank you. Not 100% sure what I'm doing, depends on my space issues.