Cichlid suggestions for 29 gallon?

zarate · Member Joined: 04 Aug 2004 Posts: 245 Location: Wisconsin

I'm in the process of cycling a 29 gallon tank and I'm looking for suggestions as to what kind of cichlid to put in it. My water is hard and alkaline, and I'd like to match my fish to my water so I don't have too many problems down the road. What are your favorite cichlids? What kind do you have? What kind of water do you keep them in? Any info is greatly appreciated! Thanks a bunch
-Zarate

t_chelle16 · Moderator Joined: 22 Mar 2004 Posts: 3436

Some shell dwellers would be great.

-Chelle

Fish Addict · Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2006 2:27 am Post subject:

i would also do some shell dwellers

lil shant · Member Joined: 08 May 2005 Posts: 176

rams lol u got to love them or angelfish

dbltrubl98 · Member Joined: 24 Nov 2005 Posts: 68

How much space do angelfish require? I am interested in them now...

lil shant · Member Joined: 08 May 2005 Posts: 176

i think u can keep 2 or 3 cosue i have heard from the other threats that u need one for each 10 gallons

tyler_medeiros · Member Joined: 06 Feb 2005 Posts: 329 Location: Canada

10 gallons per angelfish is kinda tight. Some people say 20 for each others say 15.

dbltrubl98 · Member Joined: 24 Nov 2005 Posts: 68

So a 29 for a pair would be reasonable? Thanks for the help...

Hooben · Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2006 5:40 am Post subject:

Angelfish like acidic soft water, and big tanks. You have hard alkaline?They need lots of tall plants to swim and hide in. Tall tanks are great. I think that 29 gallons for 2 angels is pushing it, as they grow really big.
Be careful.

dbltrubl98 · Member Joined: 24 Nov 2005 Posts: 68

What is the next size I could use than for a pair of angels? Also what size filter and heater would I need?

connor · Member Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Posts: 25

why dont you try jewels i put them in my tank and there doing fine.

Surprised

PS. they are very agressive. Surprised

gravity · Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 7:47 am Post subject:

A few simple guidelines for most 29g tanks:

1) Avoid MOST South American cichlids (oscars, jack dempseys, etc), they get WAY too big. Rams are great, though. I think Convicts might also be ok.

2) Avoid MOST African cichlids, especially mbuna (zebras, socolofi, auratus, etc.) as they also get pretty big. Brichardi and shelldwellers are pretty much your choices for Africans.

Your problem is that you won't be able to find these fish at Petsmart or really any chain store (except the convicts). But in a way, that's good because people who see your tank will be much more impressed by how rare your fish are (even though they're not really rare, your guests wouldn't know that). Check the Yellow Pages phonebook for pet stores and try calling a few of the stores in it to see what they have to offer.

I currently have a group of Brichardi in a 29 gallon tank, and they're doing quite well. Here's some pics of what my fish look like:

http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/img/daffodil1.jpg
http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/img/Neolamprologus_brichardi_2.jpg

Good luck!