can I do this, or will it be a fight?

[blueturq]

would a 55 gal be able to have 1 black convict and 1 yellow labiochromis or will they fight?

Is there a way to diffuse the aggression(like more quantities, or rock work, etc, etc.???????)

I know Africans require a higher ph, and convicts are hardy, so would a ph of 7.8 and a temp. of 80-82F be good?

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Well this mix is African X CA so....chance there would be a fight. Are these the only 2 that will be in the tank?

Chances are if these are the only ones in the tank, then they will have enough territory to keep them from fighting, but there is always that chance one will step over the line. Provide plenty of hiding places with rocks or driftwood. You know what might look cool? Once they establish territory, decorate each's with their natural bio-type

You would be fine with that pH and temp i think.

 

[phOOey]

would't the convict beat up the yellow lab pretty bad? i guess i could work but the convict is so much more aggressive than the lab.

 

[Joanne]

Ph depends on what the fish are used to. My ph is only 7.5 but I get them from a breeder who has a ph of 7.4 so they are used to a low ph. Generally though a higher ph is better so I would go the baking soda route if I were you.

80 should be fine temperature wise.

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Its quite possible barb. But when i was a n00b, i kept 2 cons (a pair) and a Orange Mbuna in a 29gal tank! . And the orange one controlled the tank. Of course here you have a malawi cichlid that is of the most "peacful" of the lake. SO yeah the con might, but it might not. If these are the only 2 in the tank then you will have a better chance of fish living because they could each have a good sized territory.

 

[JWright]

It's really a bad idea to mix continents like that.. They really do prefer different pH's, hardnesses, etc.

You'll have much happier fish and a much more satisfying tank if you stick to one continent (preferably one lake if you go African).

There are so many great options out there for fish that do get along well, why chance it?

 

[wayne]

Cons are from high pH water anyway, but I don't like mixing SA/CA with Africans. This will work though. You won't be able to get tons of other cichlids in there thoguh - controlled overcrowding won't work with the con.

 

[blueturq]

Originally posted by wayne
Cons are from high pH water anyway, but I don't like mixing SA/CA with Africans. This will work though. You won't be able to get tons of other cichlids in there thoguh - controlled overcrowding won't work with the con.

I'm not planning on getting tons, i was just wondering if they got along, so they can be safely mixed???

thanks for the info everyone, keep it coming