New 90ltr tank, which cichlids can I mix?

[Mystocana]

Hello,

I'm pretty new to cichlids, especially dwarfs. I have asked around many of my local stockers and none of them have a clue about which dwarfs I can mix together! So I have a 90ltr tank, I have read that kribs are the best 'starter fish' as far as cichlids go although I have got a few species in mind that I hear dont mix well with them, so I would like to ask for some different species.

1. Apistos, I would love to keep these as they seem to be a favourite of many cichlid lovers.
2. Shellies, Apparently very interesting to keep
3. Yellow Lab, possibly too big for a 90ltr but thought I'd ask
4. Electric blue rams? I dont know if they are classed as dwarf cichlids but I used to keep rams and they were actually not aggressive to my community tank at all, but not sure if they are mixable with other dwarf cichlids?

Could anyone give me a good mix including any of these three at all which are suitable for a 90ltr tank (preferably colourful of course!)? I understand its not always about aggression but similar environment, but I've not set up my tank yet so if its necessary I can introduce them all at the same time if territory development would be an issue later on.

Thanks!
-Katherine

 

[Mike Wise]

In my experience, mixing Common Kribs (Pv. pulcher) with South American dwarfs is a bad idea. They communicate very differently, often leading to deadly confrontations. A 90 L tank is a bit small for more than a breeding pair/trio of one apisto species. You should be able to mix individuals specimens of 2 - 3 different species - but not pairs - depending on tank design and species temperament. Shell dwellers would be an excellent choice, especially if you have naturally hard and alkaline water - but only 1 species. Electric Blue Rams as just a domestic color strain of the commonly available Ram, M. ramirezi. Again, your 90 is too small to mix Rams with other dwarfs unless you want individual specimens of 2 - 3 different species. If you want a community tank, then think about adding colorful males of SA dwarfs. If you are thinking of seeing breeding occur, the consider only a single species for this tank.

 

[Mystocana]

In my experience, mixing Common Kribs (Pv. pulcher) with South American dwarfs is a bad idea. They communicate very differently, often leading to deadly confrontations. A 90 L tank is a bit small for more than a breeding pair/trio of one apisto species. You should be able to mix individuals specimens of 2 - 3 different species - but not pairs - depending on tank design and species temperament. Shell dwellers would be an excellent choice, especially if you have naturally hard and alkaline water - but only 1 species. Electric Blue Rams as just a domestic color strain of the commonly available Ram, M. ramirezi. Again, your 90 is too small to mix Rams with other dwarfs unless you want individual specimens of 2 - 3 different species. If you want a community tank, then think about adding colorful males of SA dwarfs. If you are thinking of seeing breeding occur, the consider only a single species for this tank.

Hi Mike,

This is what I thought (as far as mixing kribs), so I will definitely consider another type of dwarf to mix them with.
Ok, well I am not interested in breeding, not yet anyway, and like you have said, the tank is too small. But when you say 'pair' (sorry if this question may be silly to you but I'm not knowledgeable on fish breeding!) does this just mean any male + female in a tank (for instance 3 males and 1 female) or does having a pair depend on environment etc? I know some species you can get a shoal of mixed sexes yet they won't pair due to environment you see and I'm not knowledgeable about cichlid pairing. If thats the case and a pairing will happen between any male and female in a tank then I assume I would have to get only one sex of that species (although I was under the impression that an all-male tank would be aggressive)? Really I am looking at the possibility of a shoal of rams with a few shellies. Also is it possible to mix other species of fish with these type of dwarfs, for example plecos, catfish or other slightly larger sharks (I've been told that any bottom-dwellers put with shellies need to be bigger and hardier than them due to territory etc)

 

[Mike Wise]

For most apistos, any male/female combination of the same species is a pair. These are cichlids, and as cichlids are territorial. Cichlids, as a general rule, are not really social species and try to defend territories in hopes that a female will eventually pass by. Smaller cichlids tend to have smaller territories, but it really depends on how the aquarium is decorated, where visual territorial boundaries are located. It is not rare that an 8cm apisto male will dominate a 2m tank that is mostly open space, so visual boundaries and hiding places are important. I usually recommend each dwarf have a defensible territory of about 30cm/1ft diameter. If given the proper tank decor, males without females are less aggressive than males with females to defend. It is best if they are different species and different in shape and fins. I would not recommend mixing Rams with shell dwellers. They live in 2 entirely different water types. Choose one or the other but not both together.

 

[Mystocana]

For most apistos, any male/female combination of the same species is a pair. These are cichlids, and as cichlids are territorial. Cichlids, as a general rule, are not really social species and try to defend territories in hopes that a female will eventually pass by. Smaller cichlids tend to have smaller territories, but it really depends on how the aquarium is decorated, where visual territorial boundaries are located. It is not rare that an 8cm apisto male will dominate a 2m tank that is mostly open space, so visual boundaries and hiding places are important. I usually recommend each dwarf have a defensible territory of about 30cm/1ft diameter. If given the proper tank decor, males without females are less aggressive than males with females to defend. It is best if they are different species and different in shape and fins. I would not recommend mixing Rams with shell dwellers. They live in 2 entirely different water types. Choose one or the other but not both together.

Ok, I'll try and get all males then seeming as I don't want pairs. Yes well I would like to add much decor to my tank anyway so I dont think this is a problem as far as territories for two species.
thanks for your help. If not rams could you recommend another type of dwarf that would be a good mix with shellies? Or even the other way around, so what would mix well with rams if any?

thanks,
Kat

 

[Mike Wise]

I can't recommend shell dwellers with any other dwarfs. Their water needs are very alkaline and hard. All South American and West African dwarfs need at least near neutral, moderately soft water. I think a good book on cichlids in general would be helpful for you.

 

[MonteSS]

I have a 36" tank with about 10 different male Apistos, two angels, and 20 black neons.

All get along great. Favorite tank I have ever had.

Tried Shelldwellers (multies) and they were very boring.

Lots of hiding spots to escape if needed.