Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlids

[LisaB]

I am thinking about getting a 40L for some dwarf cichlids. I currently have a 55 corner tank with community fish. After seeing the Cockatoo Dwarfs I would really like a cichlid tank. I want to do this right...never having had cichlids before. I have been told that I could only fit a pair in a 40L..is this the case? If so, is there any type of Dwarf Cichlids that could live together in a tank this size or is it way too small. Also, what about catfish? What would be a good fit.

I'm a real beginner and I hope you give me advice to do it right!

Thanks,
Lisa

 

[Mike Wise]

I assume that you mean a 40 litre (10 US gallons) not a 40 gallon long tank. A 40 litre tank is sufficiently large enough for only a pair (possibly a trio) of apistos. I don't recommend catfish in apisto tanks because the compete for the same territory (the bottom). You would be better off with some suface dwelling fish like pencilfishes of dwarf gouramies (smaller Colisa species).

 

[LisaB]

Nope, 40 gallon long...

Lisa

 

[LisaB]

So in a cichlid tank do you suggest bristle nose plecs, ottos? Just wondering about algae control. I always do weekly water changes (about 20%) and vaccum the substrate weekly as well.

Lisa

 

[Mike Wise]

You should have no problems with 2 trios in a 40 long. Use ottos. Othe plecos easily enter breeding caves and eat the eggs/fry.

 

[nightowl1350]

BN will eat eggs....I think I lost my female apisto C. due to the stress of the BN wanting her cave (may have had eggs) for a place to spawn despite the other caves in the tank

 

[LisaB]

Thank you for the info!

Lisa