Fish combination in 55g

dwool36 · 01-31-2006, 06:30 AM

I have a 55g that was given to me with the following fish:

1 firemouth
1 green severum
1 jewel cichlid
1 chocolate cichlid
1 parrotfish
1 red tail shark

The fish had to be put in before the tank had cycled (I know..baaaddd) however, assuming they all live is this an acceptable combination for this size tank? All are still small (less than 3in.).

SpongeBob · 01-31-2006, 06:42 AM

Overstocked long term. Prepare for a lot of aggression and fights.

Sponge

dwool36 · 01-31-2006, 06:45 AM

Which ones would you recommend removing?

sambi7878 · 01-31-2006, 08:01 AM

Overstocked!!! And I think youve got a wrong combination of fish! I really wouldnt mix cichlids unless Im really sure about the other tankmates.

Red Devil, Severums, Parrot, and chocolate cichlids are american cichlids. They are really quite aggressive and territorial (except for the parrot who is a peaceful one). They will grow up to 10 inches max size. I really wouldnt mix them with other types of cichlids.

The red tail shark usually belongs to the community fish. They like to stay in the bottom. They can be mixed with Swordtails, Angels, Moons and similar fish. Large sharks can be kept in with other large fish. They can defend themselves against aggressive fish, and therefore fit well in tanks with larger, more aggressive fish such as cichlids. Sharks can be quarrelsome too even with their own type so only groups of 3 is tolerated. Max size: 4-5 inches.

The Jewel Cichlid grows around 5 inches. It is an African cichlid that can be quite fierce, especially when it is breeding - spawns on flat stones. It maintains a large territory - to be kept in large tanks with rocks and hiding places. Its water requirements are not demanding as long as it has a pH from 6.5 - 7.5 and either slightly soft to hard water.

My suggestion is this, you you may loose the other fish and leave only a Jewel OR a Parrot fish. Then, if you decided on which one to leave, have a pair of that type because a 55 gal tank is really big for one.

SpongeBob · 01-31-2006, 08:30 AM

I would take out the Jewel, that's for sure for the reasons that Sam gave you. Also, the green severum, the parrot and the shark. I know, I'm almost dismissing all your selected fish. It's just that the combo doesn't sound right. You got peaceful fish mixed with aggressive ones, not mentioning the mixing of 2 sorts of cichlids ( African and American ).

Now... Let's re-think this over. First, do you want plants? Have you already bought the substrate? If yes, what is it? Do you like brilliant colours or do you prefer less colours... meaning more blacks, browns and such?

Answer these questions and we will see from there what your options are.

Sponge

dwool36 · 01-31-2006, 08:39 AM

I have no plants, as I know that many cichlids will destroy them. I am using gravel as the substrate. I really like the parrot and would love to stock around it. However, I also want color. I am completely open to your suggestions.

sambi7878 · 01-31-2006, 08:51 AM

Parrot is a good choice! They are peaceful and have really good colors. Just add good hiding places for them if you dont have plants.

dwool36 · 01-31-2006, 08:53 AM

I do have plastic plants and a piece of driftwood for hiding places.

sambi7878 · 01-31-2006, 08:55 AM

That would be ok...

SpongeBob · 01-31-2006, 09:05 AM

Okies... so no plants. Then you will need some rocks and/or roots to make hiding places. You can also use large PVC pipe fittings. Fish love to dwell or pass through them.

Since you like to build around your parrot, you might want to consider more peaceful fish that will also bring some colours in your tank. Bolivian Rams come to mind. They are very colourful and peaceful. Try to avoid the German ram, also called Blue ram. They are much harder to keep and live only for about 3 years. A Blue Acara might also be considered. It is generally peaceful but will sometimes find smaller fish too tempting to ignore... hint hint... It becomes also a bit more aggressive when spawning. The firemouth can stay and should not cause too much problem.

Here are pics of the proposed fish :

Bolivian Rams

-------------------------------------------------------
Blue Acara

I hope this helps you a bit.

Sponge

dwool36 · 01-31-2006, 09:08 AM

Oops...I already have a blue acara....left it off. So, I can keep the Parrot, the Firemouth and the Blue Acara. What else can I add to these and how many?

Georgia Peach · 01-31-2006, 12:14 PM

Arent Acara aggressive as well??

Id go with the parrot fish and some rams..

ron v · 01-31-2006, 12:34 PM

Parrot cichlid. Is that the "blood parrot", the hybrid. I've never kept one, but I thought they were verrrry aggressive. They are a cross between a red devil and something else, I think.

**Fishfirst** · 01-31-2006, 12:45 PM

They are one of the least aggressive cichlids IMO.

SpongeBob · 01-31-2006, 12:49 PM

Acaras are not aggressive fish. If they were, I would not have recommended them for a "calm, non-aggressive" setup.

Sponge

SpongeBob · 01-31-2006, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwool36

Oops...I already have a blue acara....left it off. So, I can keep the Parrot, the Firemouth and the Blue Acara. What else can I add to these and how many?

Maybe try a couple of Rams ( bolivian ) as I suggested.

Sponge

Georgia Peach · 01-31-2006, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpongeBob

Acaras are not aggressive fish. If they were, I would not have recommended them for a "calm, non-aggressive" setup.

Sponge

I was just going by what I have read and been told

http://www.mongabay.com/fish/acaras.htm

SpongeBob · 01-31-2006, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Georgia Peach

I was just going by what I have read and been told

http://www.mongabay.com/fish/acaras.htm

The Acara I was refering to is a Blue Acara and is not in the "aggressive group" that is describeb in your link. Thank you for the information though, I did not know that the Acaras were split into 2 different groups.

Cheers,

Sponge

dwool36 · 01-31-2006, 03:37 PM

I appreciate all the help. I am going to try the following:

1 Firemouth
1 Blue acara
1 Parrotfish
2 Bolivian Rams

Will this solve my overstocking problem?

SpongeBob · 01-31-2006, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwool36

I appreciate all the help. I am going to try the following:

1 Firemouth
1 Blue acara
1 Parrotfish
2 Bolivian Rams

Will this solve my overstocking problem?

Sounds like a good start to me!

Good luck,

Sponge

01-31-2006, 06:30 AM	#1
dwool36 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 312	Fish combination in 55g I have a 55g that was given to me with the following fish: 1 firemouth 1 green severum 1 jewel cichlid 1 chocolate cichlid 1 parrotfish 1 red tail shark The fish had to be put in before the tank had cycled (I know..baaaddd) however, assuming they all live is this an acceptable combination for this size tank? All are still small (less than 3in.). Last edited by dwool36; 01-31-2006 at 07:28 AM.

01-31-2006, 08:01 AM	#4
sambi7878 "I am SAM" Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Philippines Age: 30 Posts: 163	Overstocked!!! And I think youve got a wrong combination of fish! I really wouldnt mix cichlids unless Im really sure about the other tankmates. Red Devil, Severums, Parrot, and chocolate cichlids are american cichlids. They are really quite aggressive and territorial (except for the parrot who is a peaceful one). They will grow up to 10 inches max size. I really wouldnt mix them with other types of cichlids. The red tail shark usually belongs to the community fish. They like to stay in the bottom. They can be mixed with Swordtails, Angels, Moons and similar fish. Large sharks can be kept in with other large fish. They can defend themselves against aggressive fish, and therefore fit well in tanks with larger, more aggressive fish such as cichlids. Sharks can be quarrelsome too even with their own type so only groups of 3 is tolerated. Max size: 4-5 inches. The Jewel Cichlid grows around 5 inches. It is an African cichlid that can be quite fierce, especially when it is breeding - spawns on flat stones. It maintains a large territory - to be kept in large tanks with rocks and hiding places. Its water requirements are not demanding as long as it has a pH from 6.5 - 7.5 and either slightly soft to hard water. My suggestion is this, you you may loose the other fish and leave only a Jewel OR a Parrot fish. Then, if you decided on which one to leave, have a pair of that type because a 55 gal tank is really big for one. __________________ SAM For every evil under the sun There is a remedy or there is none; If there be one, try and find it; If there be none, never mind it.

01-31-2006, 08:51 AM	#7
sambi7878 "I am SAM" Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Philippines Age: 30 Posts: 163	Parrot is a good choice! They are peaceful and have really good colors. Just add good hiding places for them if you dont have plants. __________________ SAM For every evil under the sun There is a remedy or there is none; If there be one, try and find it; If there be none, never mind it.

01-31-2006, 08:55 AM	#9
sambi7878 "I am SAM" Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Philippines Age: 30 Posts: 163	That would be ok... __________________ SAM For every evil under the sun There is a remedy or there is none; If there be one, try and find it; If there be none, never mind it.

01-31-2006, 12:14 PM	#12
Georgia Peach Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Gray, Georgia Age: 42 Posts: 1,581	Arent Acara aggressive as well?? Id go with the parrot fish and some rams.. __________________ *Cichlids have more personality than most people I know !* Last edited by Georgia Peach; 01-31-2006 at 01:42 PM.

Members currently in the Chat:0
	Users In Chat Room: There are several users in chat now! Don't Be Shy - click here and come on in!

01-31-2006, 06:42 AM	#2
SpongeBob Banned Join Date: Jan 2006 Age: 44 Posts: 124	Overstocked long term. Prepare for a lot of aggression and fights. Sponge

01-31-2006, 06:45 AM	#3
dwool36 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 312	Which ones would you recommend removing?

01-31-2006, 08:30 AM	#5
SpongeBob Banned Join Date: Jan 2006 Age: 44 Posts: 124	I would take out the Jewel, that's for sure for the reasons that Sam gave you. Also, the green severum, the parrot and the shark. I know, I'm almost dismissing all your selected fish. It's just that the combo doesn't sound right. You got peaceful fish mixed with aggressive ones, not mentioning the mixing of 2 sorts of cichlids ( African and American ). Now... Let's re-think this over. First, do you want plants? Have you already bought the substrate? If yes, what is it? Do you like brilliant colours or do you prefer less colours... meaning more blacks, browns and such? Answer these questions and we will see from there what your options are. Sponge

01-31-2006, 08:39 AM	#6
dwool36 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 312	I have no plants, as I know that many cichlids will destroy them. I am using gravel as the substrate. I really like the parrot and would love to stock around it. However, I also want color. I am completely open to your suggestions.

01-31-2006, 08:53 AM	#8
dwool36 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 312	I do have plastic plants and a piece of driftwood for hiding places.

01-31-2006, 09:05 AM	#10
SpongeBob Banned Join Date: Jan 2006 Age: 44 Posts: 124	Okies... so no plants. Then you will need some rocks and/or roots to make hiding places. You can also use large PVC pipe fittings. Fish love to dwell or pass through them. Since you like to build around your parrot, you might want to consider more peaceful fish that will also bring some colours in your tank. Bolivian Rams come to mind. They are very colourful and peaceful. Try to avoid the German ram, also called Blue ram. They are much harder to keep and live only for about 3 years. A Blue Acara might also be considered. It is generally peaceful but will sometimes find smaller fish too tempting to ignore... hint hint... It becomes also a bit more aggressive when spawning. The firemouth can stay and should not cause too much problem. Here are pics of the proposed fish : Bolivian Rams ------------------------------------------------------- Blue Acara I hope this helps you a bit. Sponge

01-31-2006, 09:08 AM	#11
dwool36 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 312	Oops...I already have a blue acara....left it off. So, I can keep the Parrot, the Firemouth and the Blue Acara. What else can I add to these and how many?

01-31-2006, 12:34 PM	#13
ron v Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Alabama Age: 61 Posts: 1,123	Parrot cichlid. Is that the "blood parrot", the hybrid. I've never kept one, but I thought they were verrrry aggressive. They are a cross between a red devil and something else, I think.

01-31-2006, 12:45 PM	#14
Fishfirst Fish Guru Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Soon to be Northern Wisconsin Age: 24 Posts: 3,506	They are one of the least aggressive cichlids IMO. __________________ 210 Gal Reef w/ 55 Gallon Sump/Fuge, 125 Gal Fish Only, 65 Gal Seahorse-29 Gallon Sump, 55 Gal FOWLR, 54 Gal Corner FW Community, 20 Gal Nano FOWLR, 55 Gal Piranha, 29 gallon QT "All the yellow tangs and clownfish in the world can't save you now! hahahah" Peter from Family Guy

01-31-2006, 12:49 PM	#15
SpongeBob Banned Join Date: Jan 2006 Age: 44 Posts: 124	Acaras are not aggressive fish. If they were, I would not have recommended them for a "calm, non-aggressive" setup. Sponge

01-31-2006, 03:37 PM	#19
dwool36 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 312	I appreciate all the help. I am going to try the following: 1 Firemouth 1 Blue acara 1 Parrotfish 2 Bolivian Rams Will this solve my overstocking problem?

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Any of you here have other pets?	Shaggy	The Water Hole	203	01-26-2008 11:55 AM
Funny, informative, or just plain sad?	TheOldSalt	FYI (For Your Info)	17	07-29-2007 04:33 PM
Beginners Discus Article	Discus lover	Cichlids	8	12-26-2006 03:48 AM
Article: Which fish/invert/coral to choose?	Fishfirst	Profile & Article Discussions	2	08-15-2006 04:37 AM
Max's journal	maxpayne_lhp	User Journals	9	07-11-2005 12:45 AM