cichlids

[joe]

i am getting a new 12 gal. tank and was wonder if i could get cichlids. If i can i was wondering if they r hard to keep and the maintnence required for them. also what food and tank set-up they would like.

 

[Gunnie]

A 12 gal. tank is not big enough for most cichlids, but it would be a good size for some of the shell dweller species. They are quite interesting fish, and would be a little more unique than most tanks that size. Here is a great link to give you some information on these interesting fish:

http://www.cichlidrecipe.com/shellweb/shell_intro.htm

 

[Butterfly]

Shellies(shelldwellers) are very interesting little fish and very prolific. Gunnie and I both have them. They are very easy to take care of.
Carol

 

[Miss Mouse]

oooh they're cool! I didn;t even know they existed. You guys shouldn't tempt me!

 

[Butterfly]

Consider yourself tempted
Multis feeding:
Multis up close:

 

[Miss Mouse]

They are very cute - I like their lips especially - they look good for fishy kisses ;D

 

[joe]

thanks for the new ideas

 

[dano569]

YOU COULD GET 2 OR 3 BRICHARDIS

 

[Butterfly]

Neolamprologus Brichardi are beautiful fish who reach about 4 inches at maturity. They can also be a little aggressive and need plenty of room to claim territory. 12 gal. probably isn't big enough 3 but a pair might work. but personally I still like multis better. Their personalitys are so sweet.
Carol

 

[dano569]

your are probably right a 12 gallon might be to small for 3.if you had like a 20 or 29 that would be cool.when they pair off the other brichardi in the tank guard the entrance to the mating pair.a colony of them would be awesome!!!!!!.don't you think?

 

[Butterfly]

Definately a beautiful display in a larger tank.
Carol