Cichlids in a community tank?

[Blisster]

Is it okay to put Cichlids in a community tank? Right now I have a 30 gal with 2 Bala Sharks and 12 Zebra Danios. Would it be okay to put a fe Cichlids in with them?

[Isabella]

It depends on what type of Cichlids because there are so many kinds of them. Angelfish and Rams, for example, can be kept in community tanks (though you have to be careful with the angels so that they don't eat any small species!). You'd have to research which Cichlids you want and if they're compatible with a community tank and with whatever the fish you already have.

Now, about Bala Sharks. Do you know that they grow up to 16" in size? A 30 gallon tank is way to small for them - they'd need something like at least 75 gallons. They're peaceful fish but they will soon grow too large for your 30 gallon tank. And if you keep two 16" long fish in a 30 gallon tank their entire lives, they'll only suffer there having no space to move around. But, this is my opinion, of course. You'll do what you think is best. However my advice is for your own good and for the fish's good.

[boff]

Hi Ive got a pair of Blue Rams and they seem to get on with every thing else.Like Isabella said do some research first thats what i did and then got the Blue Rams because they don't grow to big and are not aggressive towards other fish ,but spawning time can be another matter but thats to be expected .

[Blisster]

Originally Posted by Isabella

Now, about Bala Sharks. Do you know that they grow up to 16" in size? A 30 gallon tank is way to small for them - they'd need something like at least 75 gallons. They're peaceful fish but they will soon grow too large for your 30 gallon tank. And if you keep two 16" long fish in a 30 gallon tank their entire lives, they'll only suffer there having no space to move around. But, this is my opinion, of course. You'll do what you think is best. However my advice is for your own good and for the fish's good.

Yeah I figure I've got a little bit of time before they get that big I'm planning on a much larger tank in the future so they'll be okay!

[fishfanatic]

I have 2 gold severums and a firemouth in my 150 gal community tank and they get along with every thing else. They get 10" so need bigger tanks. Festivums are also said to be good fish for community tanks.

[Isabella]

Originally Posted by Blisster

Yeah I figure I've got a little bit of time before they get that big I'm planning on a much larger tank in the future so they'll be okay!

All right then Sounds good How large are they now?