preparations for convicts

[Ronin]

In the not to distant future, maybe in a month, i plant to set up a convict tank. Probably atleast a 20 gallong high, and i was thinking of puting 2 in the tank. I will most likely not put in any other tankmates just to save them the stress. What are the requirements for them to have a healthy environment. Everything from gravel/sand, temp, plants, shy/ like to be out in the open.

 

[Cichlid-Man]

They like water, food, and water chances. Really nothing else matters that much. Sand or gravel is fine, i've used both. Rocks are always good, as well as driftwood. They might uproot any plants you put in there.

Temp like any other community tank would be fine 76-80 at the very highest.

You should have no problems keeping them and breeding them if you do regular feedings and water changes.

 

[Ronin]

by the way, how can u tell the difference between a male and a female, as I will prob wanting to breed them sooner or later

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Females have Orange/Red scales on their sides. Males have none. Also males tend to be a little bigger. They are sexable around 2" so the orange scales should be your best bet to getting a female and male.

 

[Ronin]

im also curious wether or not i could put a bottom feeder in there. something to make sure some of the leftovers dont sit on the ground forever. possibly a commin plec, or 2 small cories. But if there would be too much aggression, then just tell me to forget it.

 

[JimMelAddie]

I wish you didn't live so far away. I'd glady give you some of mine! The largest from my breeding pair (female) is about the size of a pecan and she's a beauty!!! Her mom sure didn't have quite as much color when she was that size.

I wouldn't recommend the Cories. I put one in w/ my Cichlid tank back when it was just Mbuna and after a couple of days, he no longer had wiskers on one side of his face. He'd probably no longer have a face had my Convict's been in there. The Common Ple*co will do just fine, though. I'd start small. Those guys get big!