Rams substitute, sm. cichlid sel.     2/16/08
Hello, Neale
<Mark,>
I have a 20 gallon hexagon freshwater planted tank.
Currently It has 6 harlequin rasboras and 6 cardinal tetras.
<A nice combination of fish, but consider adding some more of each for a real "punch" of colour.>
I used to have blue rams, but I could keep them alive just for a few (3-4) months. I gave up.
<No surprise. The quality of commercial stock is low.>
I'd like to keep a pair of Bolivian rams or kribs instead.
Which one you recommend?
<Both are nice. Bolivian Rams are perhaps less colourful than Kribs, but they are also a bit less likely to cause mayhem if they decide to breed. On the other hand, breeding Kribs is a great way to experience dwarf cichlids. Really, both are lovely, so I'd tend to go with what you can get and/or what looks good at the moment. Good quality Kribs are incredibly eye-catching, but a lot of mass produced fish don't have the full set of colours. One might argue that two female Kribs would be a great way forward, since the females are smaller and perhaps more brightly coloured. Do also check out the other Pelvicachromis species beyond the Krib; Pelvicachromis taeniatus and Pelvicachromis subocellatus are two personal favourites.>
They are bigger then blue rams.
Would they fit to this tank?
<Yes.>
What temperature should I have? (Currently it is 84 F)
<I'd tone that down a little, closer to 77-79F.>
Would they harm my other fish?
<Dwarf Cichlids are not 100% reliable. They are, after all, cichlids. Just a bit smaller than otherwise. But if they want to be mean, they can be. That said, both Kribs and Bolivian Rams are considered good choices for the community tank, especially if they have adequate numbers of caves so they don't feel insecure. Half a coconut shell, covered with Java Moss, is a perfect nest.>
Maybe it is better to get honey Gouramis? May be something else?
<There are certainly other options. Badis badis, if you can find it, is one of the loveliest fish. It's called the "Chameleon Perch" and lives up to its name. A seasonal fish, so you don't see it all year round. Quite fussy at dinner time, too. Another excellent little fish if you want a "character" is the Florida Flagfish. Although a killifish, it behaves more like a dwarf cichlid. Tend to look uninspiring in aquarium shops, but when settled down have amazing red and blue colours. Also eats algae! Flag Acara (Laetacara curviceps) is another peaceful cichlid with lovely colours. One last choice, if you're feeling ambitious, is the dwarf climbing perch Microctenopoma ansorgei; in breeding condition, the males have amazing colours.>
Thank you for your help,
Mark
<Cheers, Neale.>

Freshwater Newbie!   1/12/08
Hello All,
<Hello Tom!>
Please be patient with me as I am just getting into the relaxing (at times) world of freshwater tanks. I went and bought new 60Gal with a cascade 1000 filter. The tank looks beautiful with some fake plants, speckled gravel and lots of hiding places (pottery and rocks). I'm ready for fish! Unlike most, I am taking my time in the selection because I want to make sure no fish are sacrificed and my family can enjoy this experience. Here is what I have narrowed my fish selection down to:
<Ok...>
First Group:
(1) Chocolate Cichlid
(1) Jurupari
(1) Green Severum
<Fine in terms of behaviour, but these are BIG fish, and a 60 US gallon tank will feel very crowded. While they might live in this space, they could just as easily end up fighting or suffering from problems such as hole-in-the-head thanks to high nitrate levels. Satanoperca jurupari gets to about 18 cm, Hypselecara temporalis to about 20 cm, and Heros severus about the same. A 60 US gallon tank is really better suited to cichlids in the 10-15 cm size scale.>
Second Group:
(1) Iridescent or albino shark (catfish)
(1) Clown Loach
(1) Upside down catfish
<Pangasius hypophthalmus reaches a maximum length of 130 cm, which is obviously way too big for your tank. Clown loaches are sociable and easily reach 20 cm if adequately cared for, and nearer 30 cm is well cared for. In other words, you really need a tank suitable for 5-6 Clowns, which is more than 60 US gallons will accommodate. So again, not a great choice. Yes, I know people keep single Clown loaches -- but trust me, those loaches are UNHAPPY, and SHY, and NERVOUS. If you want to enjoy these fish, and let these fish enjoy their lives, you need a group of them. Synodontis nigriventris is an ideal size for your aquarium. Maximum size is about 8 cm, and they are sociable too, and in schools become great fun. I have some in the tank next to me, and they scoot about chasing one another and generally putting on a good show. A superb aquarium fish.>
Third Group:
(1) Red Oscar
(1) Tiger Oscar
(2) Pleco
<A mated pair of Oscars will be happy enough in a tank this size... but two random Oscars dumped in a tank this small (or really any size short of a public aquarium) can end up fighting once they mature. Oscars are, of course, impossible to sex as juveniles and practically impossible to sex even as adults. Do remember these varieties are all the same species. As for the Plec, yes, most Plecs will do fine in a 60 gallon system.>
I decided to get the fish in three groups because the first and second group need a chance to grow and make themselves at home in the new tank.
I wanted the first group to start growing at least a little bit before I put the baby Oscars in the tank. Obviously, the tank would not need the
Plecos until later on anyway.
<You don't "need" a Plec. It will do nothing to stop algae (quite the reverse in fact) and cichlids are plenty good enough to clean up leftover food by themselves. By all means add a Plec if you want one, but it has nothing to do with "need".>
So with all this being said, here are my two questions:
1) Is this tank going to be overcrowded with 8 fish and 2 Plecos?
<WHOA!... you mean you want ALL THESE fish in the same aquarium?!?! NOT A CHANCE. I thought these were three possible options, which is bad enough. All of them in one tank would be a disaster.>
I know Plecos are fish too, (I don't want to upset anyone or any fish) but they don't need a huge amount of space from what I was told.
<Whoever told you this is talking rubbish. Plecs produce a massive amount of waste and are very territorial in their own right.>
Should be about 40 - 50 inches in a 60Gal
<Length of fish per gallon only works for small things: Danios, Neons, Guppies, etc. Big fish are entirely different. For a start, oxygen/filtration requirements are related to mass (volume) not length. Volume goes up as a cube of length. So an Oscar may only be 12 times the length of a Neon, but it is 12 x 12 x 12 = 1728 times the volume! It's a little more complex than this because bigger animals have slower metabolic rates than smaller animals, but even allowing for that an Oscar is producing many times more ammonia than, say, 12 Neon tetras, and using many times more oxygen. You also have to allow for bigger fish having territorial demands. A sexually mature Oscar will hold a territory 1-2 m in radius. That's obviously far larger than your aquarium. So should an Oscar decide to become pushy, the other fish will be in DEEP TROUBLE.>
2) More importantly, have I not picked the correct tankmates?
<Sorry, nope. Back to the drawing board. Be a little less ambitious, and look at fish around the 10-15 cm mark. You will be able to safely stock a nicer variety, and those fish will be much happier and more likely to exhibit interesting behaviours.>
Thanks,
Tom
<Cheers, Neale.>

Re: Freshwater Newbie!   1/11/08
Thanks Neale! That's why I'm doing my research. I thought a 60Gal was a big tank. I guess it's all relative to the fish it's stocked with????
<Precisely so. And there's a difference between a glass box into which a fish can be wedged, and a tank around which swim and entertain you. A bored fish makes for a boring aquarium.>
The local pet shop doesn't care because they said I would be able to fit all of these fish in a 60Gal. I suppose they just want the money and
don't care for the welfare of the fish.
<Quite possibly.>
It also seems like people are overly cautious at times. My friend has a 29Gal with two Oscars 6 - 7 inches and an iridescent 8 inches for over 5
years. He said they grow pretty much to the tank size and in his setup they seem very happy.
<Hmm... fish don't really grow to the size of the tank. That's a myth. While it is true that few iridescent sharks actually get to 130 cm (that's maximum in the wild, and mostly quoted to scare you!) zoos and public aquaria are overwhelmed with large specimens 30 cm upwards donated by home hobbyists who couldn't care for them any more. As for those Oscars, they're still babies, surely? In 5 years, I'd expect an Oscar to be more or less full size. Conservatively, that's at least 20 cm, up to over 30 cm when kept really well.>
Thanks Again,
<Better we make the mistakes on paper. Do take a look at a cichlid book, especially one containing things like Tanganyikans or Dwarf Cichlids. I suspect you'd fine a tank with a harem of shell-dwelling Lamprologus at the bottom and some rare livebearers at the top a lot more fun than a few big, boring fish. Or a rocky reef with a bunch of Neolamprologus or some of the dwarf Mbuna. Or a harem of Apistogramma with some tetras at the top... lots of options!>
You guys are awesome and I will definitely take the advice and start my thinking process over again. Back to the drawing board!!!
Tom
<Good luck, Neale.>

Re: Filtration, water and stock advice  - 05/01/07
Great, many thanks Neale. With regard to your fish recommendations - I like cichlids but what would you recommend that doesn't get too big, aggressive and plant 'uprooty'? I think a pair of Kribensis would look great though.
<The list here is huge. Anything from the genus Pelvicachromis, including the common krib, will do fine. Keyhole cichlids and blue Acara are also viable, though both do best in water that isn't too hard/alkaline. They aren't too large either. Some people have success keeping things like Neolamprologus brichardi in hard water community tanks, but Tanganyikans tend to be a little aggressive for community tanks. But in a 55 gallon tank, I'd take the chance. Otherwise, simply read and chat with other cichlid keepers. There are lots of smallish, non-disruptive species out there.>
Also rainbow fish. I'm sure I've seen several fish by that name - could you give me the Latin please and I'll look it up.
<Many many species. Choose from what's available. Two of nicest species are Melanotaenia boesemanni and Glossolepis incisus, both easy to find. Pretty much all the rainbowfish are safe, hard water tolerant, and easy to keep.>
Cheers, Charlie
<Cheers, Neale>

All charged up about Cichlids... which/where to go?  4/17/04
Hello!! my name is Nikki I have a new 55 gallon that I have just begun cycling and a 10 gallon with two filters one that turns 100gph and one that turns 50 or so gph I was wondering the biggest most aggressive fish (cichlid/s) I could put in this setup...... I like plants rocks driftwood etc. but they are not necessary (I know most aggressive fish will tear up the tank). I am looking more for a fish with lots of character and not just looks I have bought many tropical fish books and researched a lot on the web but a lot of the information contradicts what I know to be true (a novice aquarist) and what I have read so I turn to you for RELIABLE advice. PLEASE HELP!!! also is it okay to just have one fish in the tank or does it need tank mates?!
<Quite a few Cichlids are best kept one to a tank, if the volume is small... e.g. the species called Red Devils...>
many thanks for any help you can give me!
In addition the 55 gal has two angelfish about 3 1/2 in each, an algae eater I think it is a loach of some sort not to sure, and an African dwarf frog, I was wondering what cichlids would be compatible and fit okay in this set-up as well.
<Mmm, other S. Americans... see fishbase.org... search by country, river (Amazon) then by family...>
I love the Sciaenochromis ahli "electric blue Haplochromis" I don't think it will be compatible in this case
<You are correct here>
but I love them they are beautiful...any suggestions?
<Yes... books... perhaps the library... for the short works of Paul Loiselle on the family>
I also like Agassiz's dwarf cichlid,
<A good choice here... if your 55 has soft, acidic, warm water...>
Salvins cichlid, dickfeld's julie, Marlieri julie, ornatus, fuelleborns cichlid, and the fairy cichlid. Would any of these work and get along with the other inhabitants of the tank?
<Mmm, not really... Best to not mix African Cichlids with non-Africans... and even to sort through the Africans (and non-) for bodies of water, habitat, compatibility issues...>
Thanks again!! You guys are awesome
<Read my young friend... redirect your enthusiasm, drive... focus that energy into quiet reflection on what you can find in books (not the Net) re this expansive family of fishes, their captive husbandry... Do consider joining, participating in the various Cichlid clubs... the American Cichlid Association in particular. Please do write back with more specific questions... am hopeful that our local cichlidophile, Chuck Rambo will be about, can/will offer you more/better direction. Bob Fenner>

Small Cichlid species sel., LR intro. into an est. reef  - 03/02/07
Hi
<Hello>
Two separate questions for you guys
1. I have a spare 15gal tank I don't know what to do with!! I would love to keep some cyclids,
<A new spelling... to me! Biker types?>
but I am aware that they are territorial, aggressive, and I am not sure that a 15 g would be big enough.
<Mmm, for some dwarf, small species this could work>
I don't want loads, nor do I want big ones, but is it possible to keep a few, small, pretty, easy to breed, Lake Malawi cyclids in a small tank?
<... maybe some of the "shell dwelling species"...>
2. secondly, a marine question. I have had a 35 g marine reef for two years now, with a few fish, and some undemanding soft corals, as I do not have, nor want, intense lighting. I have run on an external canister filter for 2 years, but I have a colleague who is dismantling his reef, and he has approx 12 kg of cured live rock. His water parametres are great, and I would like to move to a live rock based system with the skimmer and UV. I feel that as his rock is so well cured, I wouldn't have a problem with spiking ammonia or nitrite, but would i need to keep the external filter running for a while, and is 12kg enough for my tank?
<Yes, I would>
I think your site is absolutely brilliant, and i refer to it constantly.
Many thanks
Lesley
<Thank you. Bob Fenner>

Needing Upgrade advice. Acrylic/Glass, and cichlid sel.   3/1/07
I currently have a 29 gallon and a 10 gallon fresh water setup. I was thinking about shutting down the 10 gallon and replacing it with a larger tank 40 to 50 gallons.  What in your opinion are the pros and cons of an acrylic versus glass tank?
<Mmm, acrylic hold their value longer... are not nearly as likely to break or leak... but do scratch easier than glass... though are easier to remove scratches from... Acrylic are better thermal insulators... look nicer IMO>
  I was going to stay with fresh water and look into getting some cichlids.  Any advice about these as far as hardiness would be helpful also.  Thanks, Chuck
<The third largest family of fishes... some very tough indeed... others very much not so... Perhaps you want to investigate a given biotope... a part of an area of the world... micro-habitat... Or center on a key species or two... See the Net, books re... or write us back with more specific questions...
Bob Fenner>

Cichlid Tank Recommendations  2/28/07
Hi-I just discovered your site and have found it to be very helpful!   I have a fully cycled 29 gallon tank and would like to put some cichlids in there.  I know I am at the min. end of tank size and want to be sure I don't end up with a battle ring instead of a fish tank!
I have some angels currently but could re home them in another tank.  I have been doing research on cichlids that have been listed some where or another as OK for a 29 gallon.  Please tell me what you think how many of which I could add to the tank and feel free to offer sugg ( why I'm e-mailing right :-)).
South American:  I like Agassiz's dwarf, cockatoos, keyholes and panda dwarfs.
< All very acceptable in a community tank set up. they prefer very soft acidic water with lots of plants and places to hide.>
Central American: Fire mouth too bit)?  And rainbows.
< Central American cichlids like firemouths get up to 6 inches for some males and are really too aggressive to be placed in a community tank set up. Rainbows are fine. Vey active and colorful.>
Lake Tanganyika: Neolamprologus, Lamprologus, yellow labs, Julies, and Steatocranus (too aggressive?)
<Tanganyikans like lamps and Julies would do OK in hard alkaline water. Stick with medium sized ones. Yellow labs come from Lake Malawi and would do best by themselves. The Buffalohead types from the Congo river would do OK but their reduced swim bladder limits them to the bottom of the tank.>
Mbuna (probably some of my fave): red zebra, peacock, Pseudotropheus saulosi (my
fave cichlid I have researched but will do with out if I should:-)) and Chalinochromis.
< Zebras get big and are very aggressive. Peacocks are OK but the females are rather drab. The Ps saulosi are an excellent choice. They stay small are a very peaceful for Mbuna. The Chalinochromis come from Lake Tanganyika and can be treated the same as the lamps and Julies.>
Also I like the more common cichlids such as rams worry about their sensitivity), flags and Kribs.
< Treat like the dwarf cichlids in your earlier question.>
I have read that I could do a Lamprologus mix tank or 2 calvus,3 brichardi, 2 lemon and 4 shell dwellers.  Also 1 pair of Kribs , 1 pair of African butterfly cichlids plus tetras or barbs.  8-10 Pseudotropheus saulosi plus dithers or plus 4 yellow labs.
<Go with the krib tank. It is the best mix you have suggested.>
The confusion I have is I read somewhere I can and then read I can't.
frustrating!
My pH is naturally 7.6 with a piece of drift wood so I worry about being able to lower it for some fish.
Any tank combos would be helpful!!  Also a little nervous about finding pairs and also getting them young and small enough to add together (my tank is stocked now so no problem adding that many at the same time) any suggestions on doing both?!?!Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated!!  
Thank you- Christie
< Your suggested cichlid combinations are all over the place. I would recommend that you get a book by Ad Konings titled "Enjoying Cichlids". A great book  that is written by experts all over the world. This will help you decided witch cichlids will go in your tank based on numerous factors.-Chuck>