I'm planning on picking up a 40 gal tank, I need some help. I was thinking of getting 1 parrot cichlid, 1 rainbow shark, 1 albino bn pleco and about 12-15 tiger barbs. I would love to add another type of cichlid, can you guys help me think of one? Thanks!
Ok, i will give you a brief profile on each of these showing you why they shouldn't be in the tank.
Parrot Cichlid- regardless if this is the Blood Parrot of the True Parrot, they get big. 8 inches for the BP, which i think is what you're talking about. The True Parrot is too big for the tank. While this is an ok size for a 40 gallon, is SEVERELY limits options of other fish. Parrots are pushy, and can be territorial. The length of the 40 isn't enough to have any other territorial fish.
Rainbow Shark- this also applies to Red-Tail Sharks. They are territorial against other bottom feeders, and can hurt smaller fish. They also get large, I've personally seen a 7 inch fish. This could work but it limits you options, although not as much as a Parrot.
BN Pleco- high bioload. Plecos are poop machines. The BN actually doesn't do a half-bad job of cleaning, but it doesn't cover its own bioload. Unless you're really attached to this idea, i would ditch it.
Tiger Barbs- Nippy to long fins. Thats about all. They limit the options because fin-nipping can mean infection to the victim, and possibly death.
These are some other Cichlids that you CANT have in here with other fish, or at all: Oscar, Jaguar, Red Devil, Midas, Texas, Dovii, Severum, Chocolate, Synspilum, Jack Dempsey, Green Terror, and Salvini are all either too big and too aggressive for this tank. The Salvini could live in it but they are absolute murderers. Personal experience, believe me.
Some that COULD be kept in a proper setup: Firemouth (most fish in the Thoricythys genus will work), Blue Acara, Convict, Dwarf Pike, Rainbow, Or Honduran Red Points.
If you decide to keep the Parrot, you will not be able to have another Cichlid. They will clash. There are plenty of other colorful Cichlids you can have in its place, which can allow you to have a few more. If you want, keep the Parrot and the Shark and thats it. I wouldn't add Tiger Barbs with either due to the Tiger Barbs being too small to really handle any aggression.
Ok so let me know about some of these things so i can give you a few suggestions:
-are you able and interested in breeding cichlids?
-do you want a really active tank?
-do you want a fish with personality?
-is color really important to you?
-do you need to have other fish besides Cichlids?
-are you willing to do 50% weekly water changes?
-what filter do you have?
Answer those so i can give you some specific lists that i would use in your place.
If money cant buy happiness, that why do I need a job? I mean, I should be getting these fish free, since I don't have to pay for happy...