Smaller Cichilds

[ttmnky]

Once was a newb...always a newb...

I've recently become interested in cichilds. I was wondering whether or not there were cichilds out there which would stay at around 1-2"s? I've looked at Kribs because they are good starter cichilds, but it says on some sites that they can grow up to 4". I don't really like fish that big. Are there any very common varieties of cichilds which are small?

I've looked at African cichilds...not in depth, but just pictures...

I'm actually looking for fish which are
1) easy to breed
2) hardy enough for a somewhat more experienced aquariast.
3) relatively inexoensive (I'm cheap)
4) Nice to look at.

I'm hoping to get maybe a pair or two pairs and see how it works out.

What do you veterans think? And what of Kribs? (They seem like awesome fish to breed!)

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Good post, you gave good info to help us assist you. But what size tank?

The only thing i can really think of is African Shelldwellers. Multis (Lamprologus multifasciatus) would probably be a good starter choice. A small colony (Pending tank size) would be nice. And once they get settled they should breed for you

 

[kindaconfused]

would the smaller cichlids work with guppies?

 

[ttmnky]

I have a 5 gallon, and am contemplating on getting another 10 gallon tank, but that really depends on whether we have room. For now, it's going to be in the 5 gallon...it might be six gallons...I'm not exactly sure about size, but around that ballpark.

 

[radamsk1]

Well, if you're looking for Africans i'd go along that route. However, I love the SA cichlids and would think you could try some Dwarf species, such as Rams or Apistogramma.

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Hmm, i don't know. 5gal isn't a lot...and its not something i'd recommend for really any kind of cichlid. If you could get your hands on a 10gal it will make all the difference. 10gal is usually a minimum for most if not all listed above.

 

[wayne]

I wouldn't keep anything but the very smallest apisto's in a 5, and they're not normally the easiest to work with. If you can get a 10, I'd say , from your description, you should try Apistogramma hongsloi, macmasteri , eunotus or decent quality cacatuoides, or IF you can get them some Laetacara. You should be able to get anyo f those to breed for you

 

[Fish Friend]

maybe rams ??? just a suggestion

 

[ttmnky]

thanks for the advice! I think I may go with Apistos if I ever get a 10 gallon. If not, then I'll have some other stuff in my 5 gallon... Still want a 10 gallon tank though... I can only wish...

 

[DarkMuse]

Rams need extremely clean water. I kept mine in a 10 gallon and did 2 water changes/gravel vacs a week. From what I have read, they are hard to get to breed (although I had mine only 2 weeks before they laid eggs and a few hatched). Though do to whatever (hard water, frightened fish, etc) they disappeared. I agree that it would be best to have them in a 10 gal. I think they'd be happier.

 

[RotaryDan]

Rams need extremely clean water. I kept mine in a 10 gallon and did 2 water changes/gravel vacs a week. From what I have read, they are hard to get to breed (although I had mine only 2 weeks before they laid eggs and a few hatched). Though do to whatever (hard water, frightened fish, etc) they disappeared. I agree that it would be best to have them in a 10 gal. I think they'd be happier.

that much grav cleaning would stress out the fish wouldnt it?