Whats the hype about Cichlids?

[drobbins27]

Everyone is always talking about Cichlids. I hear the SA ones are smart too. So why do ppl like them so much. Im thinking about getting some, whats the minimum size tank they can live in? What quantity and speicies?

 

[Doggfather]

you've probaby answered your own question, everybody like cichlids becuase they are so smart!!! it depends on what species you want, as to what tank size, rams are nice and could live an a 10 gallon tank! but angelfish are what a lot of people go for becuase of their unusual shape, if you wanted to keep angelfish, get a group of 6 and put them in a 55 gal...maybe you could tell us what type of cichlids you were looking at?

 

[thecichlidaddict]

http/cichlidfaq.afroblue.org/introduction.html

 

[drobbins27]

Already read that whole site thanks anyways though. Im getting a larger tank, 90g I tihnk my dad said, for Silver dollars only I tihnk. But say I did add some Cichlids to it, any reccomandations?

 

[Mustang5L5]

Cichlids just look better

 

[thecichlidaddict]

There are a number of cichlids that can be kept with silver dollars, anything not too big or aggressive will work. Firemouths are an ever popular and still one of the nicest choices, as an example.

 

[lucky62]

Just get some and you'll see what the hype is . Choose wisely and enjoy them .

 

[drobbins27]

I hear blue rams are the best, apparently they are really smart. Those go with SD's right?

 

[Dwarfs]

I wouldn't say any cichlid is the best(they're all good in their own way) but i like bolivian rams over blue rams. My bolivian is incredibly smart. He follows me (if i'm on 1 side of the tank he goes there). He's not as timid as the blue rams that i have had either. Hope that helps

 

[missyintx_99]

If you want a really cool cichlid thats generally an outgoing owner responsive fish, not hyper-aggresive, and doesn't get humongous, I would recommend a Green Terror. I have one and I absolutely adore him! Another owner responsive cichlid would be the Oscar. Oscars grow alot faster than a Green Terror. In a 90g, you could even have one of each. Once you get into cichlids, you'll be hooked. They are the smartest fish out there. Some are rather timid, thats why I suggested the two that I did. I have several different cichlids and these two are at the top of my favorites list. The only downside to keeping something like an Oscar is that if you have any fish small enough to fit in his mouth, they will become dinner. Silver dollars I think get big enough that this wouldn't be a problem if they are grown enough. Just keep in mind that Oscars grow very fast. Good luck in getting your first cichlid! You won't be disappointed!

 

[lucky62]

If you want a really cool cichlid thats generally an outgoing owner responsive fish, not hyper-aggresive, and doesn't get humongous, I would recommend a Green Terror. I have one and I absolutely adore him! Another owner responsive cichlid would be the Oscar. Oscars grow alot faster than a Green Terror. In a 90g, you could even have one of each. Once you get into cichlids, you'll be hooked. They are the smartest fish out there. Some are rather timid, thats why I suggested the two that I did. I have several different cichlids and these two are at the top of my favorites list. The only downside to keeping something like an Oscar is that if you have any fish small enough to fit in his mouth, they will become dinner. Silver dollars I think get big enough that this wouldn't be a problem if they are grown enough. Just keep in mind that Oscars grow very fast. Good luck in getting your first cichlid! You won't be disappointed!

oscars get big , I've seen some big green terrors also[8+ " ] .
I even had 1 once , mine was an absolute terror[ beautiful fish ] . He pounded every fish in my tank , except my salvini .
They locked jaws for minutes at a time , not seconds .
I wouldn't know what to safely keep with a green terror after my expirience .
What do you keep with yours Missy ?
Maybe large non cichlid shoaling fish , like silver dollars would work . anyone else .

 

[thecichlidaddict]

WARNING: Once you get cichlids there is no going back, you will be hooked!

Yes, Rams, or any dwarf riverine cichlid for that matter would do well enough with them. Oscars get really huge, and so aren't the most ideal choice IMO, but one would work. Personally I'd go with a breeding pair of something smaller and calmer, I find it more rewarding to keep them this way anyway. My Nicaraguensis are charming and share their 90 gallon with congo tetras, but SD's would work just fine with them too. Eartheaters like Geophagus varieties are very cool too and would do well in that environment.

 

[lucky62]

WARNING: Once you get cichlids there is no going back, you will be hooked!

Yes, Rams, or any dwarf riverine cichlid for that matter would do well enough with them. Oscars get really huge, and so aren't the most ideal choice IMO, but one would work. Personally I'd go with a breeding pair of something smaller and calmer, I find it more rewarding to keep them this way anyway. My Nicaraguensis are charming and share their 90 gallon with congo tetras, but SD's would work just fine with them too. Eartheaters like Geophagus varieties are very cool too and would do well in that environment.

I second that , ALL OF THAT

 

[AmberC]

I have four German blue rams. I think they are prettier than the bolivians and they are not at all what i have read them to be. They were extremely easy to acclimate and are not timid in the least little bit. This IS the first time I've had them tho and that could just be these fish. I absolutely love them tho and will definitely get more in the future

 

[Adrinal]

1) cichlids comprize of one of if not the largest group of fish you can purchace at stores.
2) huge selection of SA for soft water to choose from
3) huge selection of Africans for hard water to choose from

(I suggest building a tank off the water supply you are going to be using... adding chemicals to water sucks)

4) Bright vibrant colors on large fish@@@

5) breeding habbits
6) intelegence
7) The hopes your pics will come out better than FM's some day.