Stocking options

[Eschie]

So I wanted to start up a 20 gallon cichlid tank and I was wondering what fish I could stock. I know someone with some yellow lab cichlids for sale that are only about an inch long and was wondering what I could put with them.

 

[garfy]

20 g is really pushing it even for yellow labs.Personally I wouldn't go below 30 g with labs.I think you'd be better looking at Kribensis,rams or some of the shell dwelling species.

 

[Eschie]

Correction: I've researched a bit and decided to vacate my 30 gallon and make that my cichlid tank due to a better filter and the larger size.

Other than the yellow labs, I can also get my hands on blue ahli, venustus, powder blue socolofi, ice blue zebra and red zebra cichlids. I was wondering if any combination (including or excluding the yellow labs) could be made for a 30g?

 

[garfy]

I wouldn't put any of those other than the yellow labs in a 30.The Venustus and Ahli really need a 125 + and the others I think will be too aggressive for a 30.Try something like red top hongi or some of the smaller Cynotilapia.Some of them are really beautiful.

 

[Eschie]

Do you know where I could get some of those? Petsmart fish all look unhealthy and it's a crapshoot as they're all labeled as "assorted African cichlids". And all the LFS around me have you paying up the butt for cichlids.

 

[garfy]

Do you know where I could get some of those? Petsmart fish all look unhealthy and it's a crapshoot as they're all labeled as "assorted African cichlids". And all the LFS around me have you paying up the butt for cichlids.

Have you thought of ordering online?

 

[Eschie]

How about a trio of red zebras and a trio of blue zebras?

 

[garfy]

How about a trio of red zebras and a trio of blue zebras?

IMHO they are too big and whilst not hyper aggressive they are aggressive and there just isn't the footprint for them to establish individual territories in a 30.I know it's not what you want to hear but I have personal experience in this area and for me it didn't work and multiple fish death was the result which is never nice to see.

 

[Eschie]

Oh no I definitely want to hear the truth because I want to be able to have a successful tank.

And I'm checking out a LFS specializing in cichlids and saltwater fish in the next few days so hopefully I can find some greater diversity (and cheaper prices) there.

 

[garfy]

Oh no I definitely want to hear the truth because I want to be able to have a successful tank.

And I'm checking out a LFS specializing in cichlids and saltwater fish in the next few days so hopefully I can find some greater diversity (and cheaper prices) there.

It's great news that your open to advice.Always good to see.Research is key to a happy tank.I look forward to seeing the results from your new LFS.The very best of luck to you

 

[Eschie]

And one more question.

Will the fact that the tank is a 20x20x18 inch tank an more of a cube rather than a rectangle affect the territory issues of any cichlids?

 

[garfy]

Yes definately a cube shaped tank will limit territories in a big way.Length and width of tank is far more important than height.

 

[Eschie]

Well that sucks. Guess I'm gonna have to go with a few less fish than with a lengthy tank?

 

[garfy]

Well that sucks. Guess I'm gonna have to go with a few less fish than with a lengthy tank?

To be honest the shape of your tank doesn't really suit any of the fish you'd like.

 

[Eschie]

I might end up paying a little bit more money and just going for some German rams. How many do you think could go in a cubic 30 gallon? Just one pair or could I get 2 pairs?

 

[Eschie]

After a little bit more research I'm thinking of getting maybe 3 and seeing if 2 pair up then letting my sister adopt the other one. Would 2 females and 1 male be best for that?

 

[Dbigfish]

Could 2 yellow labs live in a 20 long?