new fish

[snoce]

i want to maybe turn my barb tank into cichlids....i have a 29gl planted...what would fit nicely into my size tank and how many can i have of each i also have real plants so i wouldnt want them to eat everything i have...any suggestions and what do they eat *celebrate

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Rams or Apistos would be nice. I prefer Apistos over rams myself. You might get away with 2 pair in a 29gal, but definently 1.

I've always longed to keep and breed Dicrossus filamentosus (Checkerboard cichlids) although they stay preety small so they may not be what you are looking for.

 

[dss2004]

That would be perfect for dwarf cichlids, ecspecially with plants they would love the shade. I have two Bolivian Rams and they are beautiful, their cousin rams are a little more colorful and a little more picky about water conditions. Both would look stunning in a planted tank. I know a lot of people around here are fond of the apistos. Lots of species and all (from what I have read) need planted tanks to be happy. Keyhole cichlids are small and do well with plants. Most of the other south american cichlids get too big for a 29 gallon. And I know some people do but I think keeping a lushly planted aquarium with africans would scare me. I have heard they will eat plants to the nubs.

 

[FroggyFox]

Technically I haven't tried keeping them with plants...but you could try one type of a small tanganyikan cichlid for a 29?? Maybe like some brichardis? Very fun fish and gorgeous. I haven't heard of them ripping plants to shreds...

I have some different types in my 29...but if I had to do it again I think I'd get all one kind and make it a species tank. Just make sure you do some research on what you'd like to get

Rams are gorgeous fish too...if I could ever find them around here I probably would have done them in my 29...

 

[Cichlid-Man]

I believe Orion (?) kept/keeps his Brichardi with plants.

Most cichlids don't EAT the plants, just up-root them, causing them to die.

 

[FroggyFox]

Oh yeah good call...I think he does! I'll ask him to pop his head in here.