how many pairs in a 40 gallon

[Christople]

Hi I have an empty tank thats 40 gallons and I was wondering how many pairs of Microgeophagus ramzeri i could have in there. I got a female yesterday and the male doesnt seem to like her at some times but then other times follows her every where> he seems to kind of nip at her but does not do any damage. Are they paring or should I keep a careful eye on them... I would be putting the new rams in the 40 and it has a measurement or 36x12x17

 

[Mike Wise]

Surface area for cichlids is more important than gallons. Whether or not you call it a 40 gal. or a 34 show (36x12x18) or a 30 long (36x12x16), your tank still has the same surface area as a 30 long: 3 square feet. In such a tank it depends on how it is aquascaped, how territorial boundaries are laid out, and the actual temperament of your fish. Altogether, it depends on what you want the tank as. Will it be a breeding set up or a community tank? Personally, I wouldn't put more than 6 - and only if properly aquascaped so that the fish can't see each other well. Keep the fish at temperatures no lower than 82ºF/28ºC, and if they are from a commercial source quarantine them for 4 - 6 weeks!http://www.crossdressers.com/forums...-Wife-concerned-about-upcoming-quot-date-quot