FINALLY got my 55g, came with parrot cichlid

So I finally got my 55 gallon tank today, and it had a parrot cichlid... any personal experience and advice would be nice, thanks!!

 

I may be wrong but I think a 55 is just big enough for 1 BP, though they normally like company I'm sure it won't be too bad.

 

I have 2 in my 55g. They are babies still. Over filter and keep the water clean.

 

thanks for the info... I forgot to mention that he/she looks kind of pale, is that just part of the aging (it's three years old), or is he/she stressed.

 

When I got my 55 it came with two oscars. They were grey and dull orange after about 2 or 3 days they brightened up.

If it is an age thing ken would probally know (aquarist48) you could probally message him to be sure but I think its just stress

 

Good afternoon,

Congrats on the new tank and fish. A thread to help you out:


The coloring is probably normal. You'll see major color changes during spawning too at times.

Keep us posted

2 will do well in your 55 gallon for a good while. These fish are very slow growers. I kept 4 juveniles in my 33g long for 18 months prior to moving them to my 265g.

Ken

 

thanks for the link Ken, I forgot about that post

Now for an update:
So after four days of hiding, "he" finally came out today and was chasing my finger around (almost like we were long lost buddies). I gave him some blood worms, and began laughing hysterically when he ate... It is so cool how he has it "run" at it, then swallow it.

Like I always do when I get attached to fish, I name them... so I named him "Rutlegde Wood," for those of you who don't know who he is, he is the short, chubby, and funny guy from "Top Gear U.S."

I want to get a picture of him, but whenever I get my camera out, he swims away and hides... so I won't be taking pictures of him quite yet. Tonight I am going to get a big clay pot and vase, so he might feel more comfortable having his own place.

Oh, there is also a common Pleco in the tank too. He is probably 18" long, so I am trying not to get attached to him, simply because I am going to have to do the responsible thing and give him to the pet store... but I will probably do that a month or more from now... just simply because of the condition of the tank before (so dirty there was a 0.5" layer of poo on top of the gravel everywhere in the tank) compared to now, so I want to make sure that they both make a full recovery before I adjust too many things.

I will give you another update tomorrow, and hopefully a couple pictures of the tank, and the fish.

Thank you all for your help and advice!!!

 

I have 6 BPs in my 125. I love them to pieces.

I originally only had one when I upgraded the tank and then added a second and instantly saw an attitude change. They are very social and love friends. I highly reccomend adding a second.

 

I have 6 BPs in my 125. I love them to pieces.

I originally only had one when I upgraded the tank and then added a second and instantly saw an attitude change. They are very social and love friends. I highly reccomend adding a second.

Do you think two Parrot Cichlids would be over stocking in a 55g??

 

In my opinion, fully grown, possibly, BUT if they are both still young, then you have some time to find an upgrade(slow growers)

 

yeah my largest one is actually about 3 years old. I bought him about the size of the smaller ones in the video. I think you'd be okay with two.

 

Good morning,

Agreed, 2 should do well in your 55 gallon tank. Even though many of my Bloody Parrots are the same age, they are not all the same size even as adults. It will love the terracotta pots and a buddy of its own kind too.

Great videos e watson! Love the plants and tank.

Ken