Can Cichlid Tanks REALLY be diversified?

[kenny1tothe6]

I am on the hunt for a big tank (75+) with tons of rocks and fake plants to end a question in my mind.

Can SA cichlids and PEACEFUL AFR Cichlids co-exist.

Coming into play is my Firemouth(Krakatoa), my Convict, 2 Kribs, 2 Keyholes, 1 Red Zebra, 1 Albino Peacock, 1 Azurious, and 1 Yellow Lab.

What do you think? I'm an idiot?

Since I try the best for my fish. If it doesn't work out, they will be seperated.

Wish me luck!

 

[big54bob]

It depends, You can mix SA/CA cichlids with west african cichlids like tilapia.

 

[unwritten law]

Kribs are also technically African too then.

 

[bob]

Has anyone had any luck combining C. salvini with silver dollar species? I am looking to move 5 silver dollars (about 4"), 3 red hooks (about 3"), and a 3" salvini in a 55 gallon. I have plans to set up my 130 in a couple of months. Any suggestions?

 

[SinisterKisses]

Here's my take, after 17 years of experience. Different regions of cichlids CAN technically be mixed, but they'll never really be truly happy with cichlids from other regions than their own. You can get away with it to an extent, but something like American cichlids with Africans, IMO, should not be done. Yes, they can survive together, but personally I aim for optimal conditions for my fish, and this is not optimal. American cichlids and African cichlids differ in SO many different ways - different habitat requirements, different water conditions (which, arguably, is not always a huge factor with tank-raised fish but is still a factor in a lot of cases), different dietary needs, and most importantly, completely different ways of interacting and socializing. American cichlids have a whole different way of living than African cichlids do. They just aren't a good mix.

 

[Monoxide]

Does the internet say its right - no. But Id say with that nice of a size tank, and rock work and plants. It would be a nice looking tank and fish. Hopefully GL with it if you go forward. I had some those fish.. But in 29g (which is bad) but they worked together for while.. But after time started see who owns this rock and they dug under my big items.. My red zebra and jewel seemed more like oscar tearing up everything.. Little troublemakers I say

 

[kenny1tothe6]

CRAP! I forgot! Africans like a pH of like 8.2(Marine pH) and Americans like 6.5-7.0.

I'm sorry, I forgot about that and as a result, my tank will be africans only. I don't like fis being uncomfy!

 

[Violet]

Yay kenny! Good to hear you want your fish comfy! Some people just want what they want regardless. How can people forget or not care that the fish are ALIVE?

 

[kenny1tothe6]

IDK. I love my fish..but I can't have any more right now for 2 reasons:

1) We might be moving
2) I'm getting sugery [I work ALOT[and sometimes extremely]...and did something that gave me a hernia)

All of my fish might be given away because I just don't feel comfortable moving them 400 miles. I'll be keeping the newt, bettas, and expensive plants. The ponds will be tore down and given away too. It's new start though. I new oppurtunity for something new!