Dwarf Cichlid for 10G?

[Velvet AciD]

Well, my 10G has been fishless cycling for a few weeks now and I need to start thinking about what type of fish to get. I want to try something new, and something a wee bit challenging. Like cichlids.

I've built-up a large chunk of rockwork in one corner that provides hiding for two, and I have lots of free-swimming space. I don't want alot of plants so the S.A. species would be out. The most I would put in is probably a dwarf nana.

What species of dwarf cichlid could I keep in a m:f pair or as a single specimin in a tank with high pH? Also, what type of bottom feeders can be housed with them? Cories, loaches?


As always, any help is appreciated! *thumbsups

 

[Velvet AciD]

*bump*

 

[Managuense]

any of the shell dwellers would do fine in your 10 gallon.

check this link- http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/shelldweller_corner.php
M

 

[Velvet AciD]

Thanks Managuense! Shell-dwellers never even occured to me before.

 

[SoulFish]

a pair of apistos or another type of dwarf cichlid would be fine in there, also shelldwellers would be ok

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Shellies!!!!!!!

ShellDwellers look awsome.

 

[wayne]

Depends how high a high pH is, but likely shell dwellers will be most suitable

 

[Flex26]

Originally posted by Managuense
any of the shell dwellers would do fine in your 10 gallon.

check this link- http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/shelldweller_corner.php
M

There is also a "cookie cutter" section on Cichlid-Forum.com. The cookie cutter is quite helpful.

But my vote is for shell dwellers!!

 

[moricollins]

don't go with apistos, they like soft, acidic (low pH) water

 

[chompchompdie]

Originally posted by moricollins
don't go with apistos, they like soft, acidic (low pH) water

not true! some like a. Cacatoides come from neutral ph water. they will thrive and breed in most tap water. That said, 10G is a little small for most apistos. Try some L. Multifaciatus.

 

[Managuense]

i must agree with chomp.... A. cacatoides is almost the equivalent of the convict these days, they will breed in almost any type of water conditions.

my south american dwarf atlas even says that they prefer water a bit harder than most other apistos..
M

 

[Velvet AciD]

I've been looking around...

Lamprologus ocellatus "Gold" were the only shell-dwellers bright enough to catch my eye:

I've read that they only have a 3" territory so would it be comfortable to house 3 at a ratio of 1 male and 2 females?

 

[Managuense]

oh yeah, not a problem.

you could probably get away with 2 males as long as you have several females...

it is cool b/c the male will actually visit a female's shell to breed with her, and she can accept or reject him. (i hear that a "bite" to the stomach area is the acceptance bite. )
M

 

[Velvet AciD]

YAY!

I don't want to get a whole colony going here though! It just came to mind that having one nagging male is sometimes stressful so I was wondering if I could throw another piece of action to even things up.

This would be my first 'by myself' attempt at keeping cichlids so I'm defintly keeping that 10G understocked.

Oh, for a cleaning crew would it be acceptable to house black mystery snails? Or would the pH/hardness harm them? Also, are there any shrimp that wouldn't risk being eaten that can stand a high pH?

 

[TaffyFish]

ocellatus is a good choice, but sexing them can be difficult. you can just make out the gold fringe on that guy's dorsal - the female has more of a whiter fringe and is generally more gold

3" territory is a bit of a laugh though, my male defends two thirds of the 20 gallon from other males and my multies!

 

[Velvet AciD]

Another question to add to this post:

To test the waters before I put in the Lamprologus ocellatus, can balloon mollies withstand the high pH of around 8-9ish?

 

[wayne]

Yes, and they'll positively enjoy the high hardness.

What's your substrate - sand or gravel - a thin layer of sand would be perfect, easy for the fish to dig, easy to clean.

 

[Velvet AciD]

Actually, about a half inch of black gravel and 3 inches of black sand. I wanted to give the little guys digging room.

 

[wayne]

Well make sure you hoover good and proper else you'll end up with a nasty dirty mess down there.

 

[Velvet AciD]

Oh, I've read about other peoples horrible messes with sand and I think I learned the proper ways not to screw up. *hopes*

Is it true that the bottom might get mucky with a lack of siphoning? And will the medium layer of gravel help prevent that?