lorabell

Hey Everyone!!!! I am fineally getting my 72 gal bowfront(yeah!!!! got it from aquarist48) up and running...lots of questions...I have pretty much decided I'd like to have some of these Beautiful Dempsys( most likely a pair) can I have more than 2? Ive been doing a lot of reading and looking at all of your beautiful pics, does anyone use sand as substrate for them, or is that a big no-no?( I have already purchassed pool sand and I love it!!!) I guess this will determine whether or not I get them. if I am able to do this can anyone tell me what else is necessary for them to be happy and healthy (plants,rocks, hidy places, drifwood,etc??) any advice or help is greatly appriciated as always. Before I do anything else with the tank, I'd like everybody's imput, and suggestions. If possible I would also like to get them from someone on here ...thanks WAY in advance!!!!!

MissMTS

Congrats on the new tank Lorabell! Dempsys are beautiful, and I think they are a great choice for your tank I have never kept them myself, but from what I know about them, I wouldn't do more than a pair in a 72 gallon. You could probably stock some other tough cichlids with them though (preferably single cichlids, not pairs or the tank could get crowded). Cons and Firemouths should do well with them. Sajica are very cool CA cichlids as well if you can find some near you. I feed my larger cichlids a variety of foods: Hikari Cichlid Gold Pellets, brine shrimp, Blood Worms, Mysis Shrimp, and Veggie Flakes. I would decorate the tank with some piles of rocks for territories, but make sure to leave plenty of open swimming room. I wouldn't advise live plants because they will get uprooted and eaten. I think a sand substrate should be fine for them. Hope this helps

aquarist48

Good morning Lorabell. Nice to hear from you as always! Good advice from MissMTS. I don't think I would have more than 1 pair as suggested. Things could get rough if you added more than that. JD's are beautiful fish. I had one many years ago in a 55g with 2 Oscars , a smaller Pleco (sorry don't remember which kind it was).

Best of luck with the tank and set up. I was glad to hear that hubby is involved in the set up as well. By all means, call anytime you like! Always a pleasure hearing from you!
Ken

bolivianbaby

JD's are a great choice! I keep mine (George) with an RTS. He's pretty active and likes to keep an eye on what's going on. He prefers the cichlid pellets as opposed to the flakes.

Hope this helps a little bit and please post pics when you get them.

lorabell

thanks sooooooooooooo much everyone!!!! Pretty sure its gonna be a go especially becasue of the sand thing...YEAH!!!!!!!!!

Shawnie

Hi lorabell!!! congrats on the tank again! I cant wait to see it set up..I loved that tank allot

in your 72, I would do 2 and no more...I know in my 75 gal, my two are enough ....ive never had sand with them but I do know they are bottom scavengers and not sure if sand would hurt their gills or not ....so hopefully another jd owner can help with that.....mine love big log caves and driftwood to hide under..I also have a floating silk vine with big leaves that they like to hide under as well...I do have some jd fry that id be willing to give you and have a thread going about them....im so darn cute, even my mama loves me! id be more than willing to give you 2 of them for the cost of shipping ..but that wont be for another month or so ..and they will not be sexable for some time after that but either way, good luck with the tank !!!

Annadvn

Sand will be fine with them, they will move the sand around to dig a pit if they are a pair and are getting ready to spawn.

If you want some PM me i have some available.

Anna