Input...

[tw1n]

I have put in a 55 Gal tank 2 Red Zibra, 2 Electric Blues, 2 Convicts, and 2 Plecos.

I know the Convicts require a cooler water... I think it was 68-72 and the Africans 75-80.

They had them together at the pet store, and it's a decent store so I trusted them.

The tank is about 4 x 1 x 2 high? I don't know the exact measurments, it's the common long narrow 55 Gal.

I put a piece of drift wood, 4 live plants, and a rock cave, put it's still pretty open.

This is my first fish tank as an adult, I plan on doing my best to make one that works.

I assume that this tank should be concidered full, because these fish will all get bigger.

Any input on what to add, what to subtract, what to watch for? or any other input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Matt Nace]

DO you know what is involved in cycling a tank? I fyou do not that should be your first reading you do. You will probebly want a test kit also that has ammonia,NitrIte and NitrAte.

The Electric blues and Red Zebras are african which should be kept in harder alkaline water.
The Convicts are central american. A lot of owners may suggest you keep African with African and CA/SA with CA/SA.

A stable temp is what you need. 75ish to 78 is fine. Mine creeps higher in the summer but generally my CA and Africans tanks are around that.

Regardless..your keeping the fish in your water. So they will need to adapt to your water or you to their needs. My fish adapt to my water.

Convicts will eat those plants. The africans I am not certain about..but they scape algae off my glass and rocks so they may munch on the plants also.

Feeding , you should lean more towards a veggie food like Hakari cichlid excel. There are other brands that have a foods geared toward fish that require more vegetables in the diet. The convicts eat anything so they would be fine on that also.

IMO, the convicts are fiesty enough that they would be ok with the africans.Probebly better off with their own region, but would work. I have Jewels from Africa with my CA's and they fit in fine. You are not fully stocked btw...you have room for more but only after you cycle. I would also recommend to add more rocks with caves for the fish. All three would like caves for refuge or breeding and to establish territories.

 

[nikcasper]

i'd worry about the convicts

 

[tw1n]

I switched it to 2 convicts, a Jack Dempsey, and a Firemouth.


In the process of rehoming the africans.

 

[Matt Nace]

That is a good mix. The Firemouth and Jack will be fun to watch if they are the same size. Even still, i have a smaller firemouth who has some spunk and does not let my Jacks come near his cave.