do I have too many?...

HI all! I was wondering if I have too many chiclids in my 75 gal tank? I now have three firemouth, three cobalt blues, three red zebras, one texas,one jack dempsey, and one 15 inch pleco. They are not aggresive and all get along with each other. Would send pics but camera is broke. The texas nips at the female firemouth every now and then but the males seem to keep it off her for the most part.do I need to get mates for the jack and texas? want all to be happy. Thanks for any help and advice given.

 

I'd say yes you do have too many... No mates are not needed and sometimes it better that there aren't because some of the fish you listed get really aggressive when breeding.

I would return the african cichlids, as they need more specific setups than the others and return the 1 female firemouth to prevent them spawning and wreaking havoc, and the remaining stock will look like this:

1 JD
1 Texas
2 Firemouths
1 Pleco

This is still a very high demand tank. What filtration are you using? What are your maintenance habits?

 

I have a emperor 400 and I vacuum once a week. New to all this, so thanks for the help.

 

no need for thanks that's why we're all here...

IF you can, I would suggest investing in a canister filter for that tank. It will just make your life so much easier and the filter will do a better job of cleaning up the waste so you don't have to do such heavy maintenance. If this isn't possible then the 400 will work well for the time being, but I am not too familiar with biowheel filters nevermind that specific one. I'm sure someone with more experience will answer soon

How much water do you replace every week?

PS: Incase you're interested,

 

+1 to all comments above, Welcome to Fishlore.

 

+1 to all comments above, Welcome to Fishlore.

Thank you

 

I replace about 20 to 30% a week. is that enough? I vacuum it very well too.

 

I would agree with 30% and a weekly vacuum. I would also include a monthly wipe down of the side and front walls as well. more if it seems it needs it.

 

I replace about 20 to 30% a week. is that enough? I vacuum it very well too.

Yes, replace whatever is necessary up to 50%... if that's what it takes to vacuum the whole tank then so be it!