New Convict Tank :)

[Tgillis]

Got the new 55g set up this weekend, the female con was getting pretty beat up by the male in the 10g. So I picked up a 55g from a buddy of mine for $50. I have it set up already, this time I used a lot of artificial plants, a few flower pots and some rocks to make hiding spots for the female, (seems to be lowering the aggression levels a lot.) It was kind of an emergency set up, so Im going to have to cycle it with fish. My question is, are the two cons going to produce enough amonia to cycle this big tank? The male is about 3", female is about 2.5". This tank is huge for them. Also Ive been looking in to tankmates, Im thinking maybe green terror or firemouths or both, what do you guys think? I was looking at the Texas Cichlid, but I heard that the cons and the texas may breed, and I dont want to do the hybrid thing. Anyways, as soon as I get some time Ill post some pics of the new setup. See Ya.

T

 

[svetlana]

Do not worry there will be enough wastes for you to make emergency water changes. I put my JD and a cat into 55g and i was struggling with am and nitrites for 3 weeks at least. 2 day will be fine, then the buildup begins...
55g is not that big tank as it seems, unfort

--si

 

[Orion]

Any amount of ammonia will get the bacteria started. If you can, put filter media from established tanks on this one as well to help speed the process along. Just keep a good eye out for ammonia and nitrites.

Wait untill the tank is fully cycled before adding anymore fish. When you do add more you need to again be attentive to the ammonia and nitrite, because they will go up with the additional bio-load.

I would say that the GT may well be too much for a 55 gallon. The firemouths sound to be a better choice. I would not put all three in a tank as small as 55 gallons.