Cichlid pair in 29 gallon

[emoore3]

Hello,

I am currently setting up a 29 gallon planted tank. I have very soft water kH and GH around 1 deg (will test pH later). I am looking for a peaceful cichlid that I could add to my tank. It will be heavily planted with a school of "dither fish". I also would like a cichlid that lives more than a few years. I have rams and apistos already (in another tank). Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[BIG_CICHLID]

Well, You could go as large as some of the Archocentrus species (avoid nigrofasciatum if you want peace) or even Herotilapia multispinosa on down to some of the dwarfs. But as you keep apistos and rams already, I'm sure you know all about them! Perhaps some West African dwarfs or even Kribensis. Depends on how extravagant you want to be I guess.

BC

 

[Apistt_ed]

Hello emoore3,

with the right conditions and a good balanced diet most apistos will tend to live 3 years and up. I have had A. bitaeniata, agassizzi, sp. morado, trifasciata (3years old), steindachneri, L. curviceps and dorsigera live past 4-5 years of age.
if its just non-apisto cichlids that you wanted that was peacefull I'd suggest the keyhole cichlid (Cleithracara maronii), blue-eyed cichlid (archocentrus spirilum), Honduran red point (Cryptoheros sp. 'Honduran redpoint), firemouth cichlid (Thorichthys meeki). Of course if you'd like more apistos that were peacefull, I shouldn't forget a.borellii, A. sp. masken, A. eunotus. that would be my suggestions. cheers. john

 

[emoore3]

Thanks for the suggestions. Ok here are my choices.

1) Pair of Keyhole Cichlids (Cleithracara maronii) and Serpae Tetras as dithers

OR

2) Pair of peaceful apistogrammas and a pair of Microgeophagus ramirezi with the Serpae Tetras as dithers. Would this work since the apistos are cave spawning and the rams are open spawners?

The tank dimensions are 30" x 12"