Loner Cichlids and Minimum Tank sizes

Two questions both are in the title, sorta.
What is a cichlid species that does well alone? The three that I've found are: Oscar, Green Terror, and Jack Dempsey's. What others are out there and what are the minimum recomended tank sizes for the ones mentioned above. I've read everything from 55 gallons to 75 gallons and down to 45 with the JD's.

A follow up question then is are any of these "safe" tank-mates for an RTS? As in not going to eat him?

Thanks for the help guys

 

Severum is another good choice. I've seen recommendations as low as 30 gallons, but IMO they need a 55 or larger. I'd say 55 minimum for JD or GT, and 75 minimum for an oscar.

I keep a big RTS with a severum, JD, and parrot in a 75 and they don't bother him.

 

I respectuflly disagree on the jd's...they do like others of their own or other cichlids their size to be more interactive...you could have 2 jd's and your rts in a 55g...GT's IMO don't belong in anything other than 75 gallon or larger if you are going to keep any fish with them...they are mean buggers....1 oscar can go in a 55 gallon but not sure you would be happy with just an oscar and a rts in that size tank ? you would be itching to stock more LOL ....

 

Not sure about RTS and oscars but my black shark isn't very keen on my red map oscar.

 

I respectuflly disagree on the jd's...they do like others of their own or other cichlids their size to be more interactive...you could have 2 jd's and your rts in a 55g...GT's IMO don't belong in anything other than 75 gallon or larger if you are going to keep any fish with them...they are mean buggers....1 oscar can go in a 55 gallon but not sure you would be happy with just an oscar and a rts in that size tank ? you would be itching to stock more LOL ....

I do agree with you on that one. I was just answering for minimum tank size if Red wanted a cichlid as the only fish. My 75 gallon is a lot more heavily stocked than that and it's worked out fine for me. I keep a gold severum, parrot, and JD with 4 botia modesta, a striped raphael cat, and a RTS. I've had the sev and parrot for over 6 years and got the JD about 2 years ago. If Red chooses to go with a 75, there are cichlid combinations that IMO would be more interesting and interactive than a "wet pet" tank.

 

I do agree with you on that one. I was just answering for minimum tank size if Red wanted a cichlid as the only fish. My 75 gallon is a lot more heavily stocked than that and it's worked out fine for me. I keep a gold severum, parrot, and JD with 4 botia modesta, a striped raphael cat, and a RTS. I've had the sev and parrot for over 6 years and got the JD about 2 years ago. If Red chooses to go with a 75, there are cichlid combinations that IMO would be more interesting and interactive than a "wet pet" tank.

+2
LOL @ wet pet tank

 

Hehe when I show you guys the video tour of my place you'll understand why I asked for minimum tank sizes

 

If you're low on space, maybe you could think about a pair of blue acara and the RTS... they stay smaller than the other cichlids we've mentioned. IMO you could get away with that in a 38 or a 45 tall (both are 3 foot tanks).

 

Hehe when I show you guys the video tour of my place you'll understand why I asked for minimum tank sizes

I'm so sure its not much different than my house! frustrating for sure .....goodluck tho!

 

The cichlid would actually be a fish with a "job" I may need a "culler" fish so I figured one of the larges cichlids would be a good choice.

EDIt: Shawnie ninja

 

What about Convicts??
They'll eat anything you put in their tank, and they stay small.

 

Does it have to be an American cichlid? If not then how about a MalawI Eye-Biter in a 55gal? They don't mind being on their own & they will get rid of any fry or other live food for you. Super cool fish.