Suggestion on jewel cichlids.

[The boring name]

Hey guys had a question on these guys, can they live in a jewel only tank like 5-10 in a 100 gal, or are they like convicts? Was wanting to put 10-15 in a 100 gal? Would it work? Thanks guys!

 

[Mogurako]

Their conspecific aggression is really high but given enough breaks in the line of sight I don't see why you couldn't do 3-4 pairs with a large school of African tetras of some kind.

What's the footprint of the 100 gallon?

 

[The boring name]

It is a 4 1/2 feet long I plan on adding fake plants rocks and drift wood. Any tetra group u would recommend? Thanks for quick reply though

 

[Mogurako]

Hmm that's an odd size, in any case with a tank under 6' 2-3 pairs would be more feasible. Just plant the tank heavily and add lots of rocks/drift wood.

As far as the tetras go something bigger and bullet proof. I just got some Blue Diamond Tetra and they are holding up well. Congo tetra are also an idea. I'll look up some more.

 

[The boring name]

Thanks for info yea that was my reaction but hey 2-3 pairs isn't to bad just plant and decor heavy and keep a close eye on the tetras how large could the school be? Thanks!

 

[Mogurako]

10-15 should do it I'd imagine, I have 9 in a 40B and they fill up the top well.

Another suggestion is Arnoldichthys spilopterus aka African Red-eyed Tetra or any of the other Alestiid tetras should fit the bill.

Keep in mind though that certain African tetras may only be available at certain times a year because they are almost always wild caught.

 

[The boring name]

Alright got ya I'll just browse around might ask to special order if possible at my lfs but thanks for help will post pics of end results

 

[Mogurako]

You can also contact Anthony Perry who is in charge of the online sales department of The Wetspot in Portland Oregon. He'll have a better idea if what you want is available or can suggest other species.

 

[The boring name]

Alright cool thanks for suggestion

 

[Mogurako]

Any time! Can't wait to see this tank, it's giving me all kinds of bad ideas!

 

[The boring name]

Haha will do

 

[Mogurako]

If however you're not 100% set on jewels, wetspot has an amazing selection of mainly wild caught west African cichlids. Especially their Pelvicachromis selection, they have the Humilis that would thrive in a large tank like yours.

Oh and for plants I'd suggest
• Anubias barteri
• Crinum calamistratum
• Bolbitis heudelotii
• Vallisneria gigantean

 

[The boring name]

Oh so jewels can be kept with live plants? Thought they were pretty similar to munba, with few differences.

 

[Mogurako]

I haven't personally kept jewels but when I was reading up on them I found this little blurb.

" Found in a wide variety of habitats (from river shallows to steams, oxbow lakes, swamps, and even costal lagoons), H. guttatus is closely associated with aquatic vegetation and is a forest-dwelling species. "

If you plant the tank while it it cycling and give the plants a month or so to establish then the Jewels shouldn't bother them. Just make sure anything that isn't attached to rocks has rocks around the base to discourage digging.

 

[The boring name]

Alright thanks that makes me look forward to it even more. Thanks for all the info it's a huge help look toward to this tank

 

[The boring name]

*im looking forward

 

[Mogurako]

You're welcome keep us updated!