Getting started with Chiclids??

[Robynleigh]

Thought I'd come say hello - I'm Robyn and I'm dreaming of blue dolphins...

What do I need/need to do to have happy healthy blue dolphins?

The tank I am planning on using is a 3ft tank - it's the biggest I can go at the moment, how many do you think I could keep happily and safely in it??

ANY advice would be awesome as this is a big step for me from guppies - a dream come true and I don't want to screw it up

 

[Robynleigh]

Edit to add I will be getting a larger tank in the future for them - this is just to start me off, I am aware they grow quite large, the ones I am looking at getting locally are only 2-3cms in length at the moment.

 

[Robynleigh]

No one??

Anyway - I am trying to figure out an easy way to get the tank cycling quicker once it's rebuilt - I read that if you add filter media to an already cycled tank it speeds this up?? And I heard there is a product quick start or something along the lines?? Do they work??

 

[Brookster123]

I'm def not an expert on cichlids but... I've heard no smaller than a 55 g for full cichlid set up, old filter media will drastically cut down cycle time, shouldn't need any other additives aside from prime when using established filter media..

 

[Nothing]

I'm no expert on African cichlids but from what I understand blue dolphins get quite large and you may need longer than a four foot tank. It's generally not a good idea to buy large fish with plans to upgrade in the future unless you are absolutely sure you will be upgrading soon. Often times people don't end up getting a larger tank and end up having to rehome the fish. You would probably need to upgrade the tank size in a year or less, cichlids can get pretty aggressive in cramped quarters. I had to put five 2" South American cichlids in a 37g for a week until my 90g was ready and all the did was fight, and they are a peaceful species.

 

[Robynleigh]

Oh I'll absolutely be upgrading - there is no discussion on that - 6ft-8ft will be the next tank they go in, this is just a starting point - then the guppies will be moved into this tank..

 

[Nothing]

Perfect sounds like a good start then! Hopefully someone who knows more about the species will pipe in soon here. Best of luck!