Cichlids for 30H?

[piranha]

Are there any types of cichlids other than blue rams or bolivian rams that can be housed in a 30 gallon high planted tank?

 

[rubysoho]

kribensis are fun, angelfish are also a nice cichlid and a pair would do well in a 30 gallon high.

 

[rich311k]

convicts would work as well. Just be advised they breed like rabits.

 

[piranha]

Don't Kribensis and convicts get too large for a 30 H. Are we talking about 1 or 2, more would be pushing it? I thought these cichlids destroy plants? Can the 2 species be kept together?

 

[rubysoho]

convicts get to about 6 inches and Kribs are approximatly 4-5 inches as adults. I believe kribs have the need for space but a 30 gallon devoted to a pair should be fine. I have no experience with convicts though.

As for plants, there are many successful keeps of cichlids AND plants in the same tank. The larger african cichlids like to help "rearrange" a planted tank.

 

[TankGirl]

There are some African rift lake cichlids that would work in a 30 high, but if you have soft, acidic tap water you might want to stick with kribensis or other Pelvicachromis species. What about keyhole cichlids?

 

[FawnN]

A pair of Kribensis would work very well in a 30 gallon. I prefer not keeping anything else with my Kribensis, even bottom dwellers.

And they will up root and destroy some plants and at the moment I can't remember any of their names.

 

[TankGirl]

A pair of Kribensis would work very well in a 30 gallon. I prefer not keeping anything else with my Kribensis, even bottom dwellers.

That is the truth, and I am sure it applies to other Pelvicachromis. It is tempting to want to fill out the tank a little but when a pair forms these fish mean business and nobody is safe. It is really amazing to watch! I think observing spawning behaviors is a huge part of the appeal of keeping cichlids.

 

[piranha]

Thanks for the replies. TG- Do you know how big keyhole cichlids get to be? Do they also like to uproot plants?

 

[rich311k]

They get about 4 inches long. They are very peaceful and should not bother your pants.

 

[talloulou]

They are very peaceful and should not bother your pants.

Thank God, 'cause a fish that messes with your PANTS just isn't right!

 

[TankGirl]

They are very peaceful and should not bother your pants.

Thank God, 'cause a fish that messes with your PANTS just isn't right!

I agree. I hate when that happens.....

 

[rich311k]

I have to get some typing lessons. ROFL.

 

[piranha]

I'll make sure I don't do any tank wading just in case!