When to add 'runt'?

[Big Vine]

I have 4 young salvini cichlids to add to a tank (scroll to very bottom of this post for background info.), and I want a breeding pair...

Trouble is, 3 of the salvini are about the same size (2.5" to 3.0"), whereas there is a 'runt' that is only about maybe 2.0" at most. I'm worried he/she might get bullied too much, as he/she appears to be in a totally different league ('weight-class,' whatever you wanna call it) than the 3 others.

Do I add all 4 at the same time?

Should I let the 'runt' get a 'head-start'?
(If so, how long of a head-start?)

BV

My 55 gal. setup has been up for a week with 14 Buenos Aires + 4 black-widow tetras. Because it was seeded from an established tank, I only experienced a small mini-cycle. (Ammonia = 0, NitrItes = 0.25 PPM, NitrAtes = 10 PPM) Plan is to add salvini as soon as NitrItes hits 0 PPM.

 

[James From Cali]

Add them at the same time so they each can establish territories. If adding one or two at a time then the first one(s) will have territories and the others wont. Unsure if this goes for all cichlids but it is a good rule to follow if unsure.

 

[Big Vine]

Under ideal circumstances, that is what I would do, James.

In this particular situation, I'm looking for specific advice as to whether or not adding the 'runt' sooner vs. at the same time as the others would make much of a difference.

Ideally I'd like to hear from someone who has gone through a situation of adding multiple aggressive cichlids together where there were one or several 'runts' in the bunch.

BV

 

[FishGeek]

Personally I would add the runt a day sooner (if possible) than the larger ones. Give him a chance to get comfortable and then add the larger ones. This way he has a chance to settle in and clam a spot before the others. And he may have a better chance.

 

[Big Vine]

Thanks, Jess. I was kinda thinking something along those lines too, but just wanted to bounce it off some of you more experienced cichlid folks first...for some peace of mind, you know?

I'd have gotten em' all the same size, ideally, but the store only had a handful to choose from. Poor little 'runt' may still get mauled, but hey, at least I'm trying to give it a bit of a head-start.

Should be adding him within the next day or two, so I'll keep you posted!

BV