Wanting To Build A 29gal Cichlid Tank

HI guys, so currently I have a 10gal tank which has proven difficult to keep stable and maintain. I have high hopes of getting a 29 gallon tank here in the coming months, and want to get some information on building this tank to house cichlids. I do understand that many people strongly disadvice cichlids being kept in anything below a 55gal setup, but I have heard of some species remaining smaller in size than most. I currently have a juvenile gold balloon ram being housed in a 10gal with 3 juvenile kuhlI loaches, 5 ghost shrimp, and 2 mystery snails. So far everyone is happy and healthy, but they need a bigger tank soon. However, what do you guys think would be sutible for keeping in a 29gal tank? And what all would the recommened species need to be happy and healthy?

Thanks!

 

Apistos?

 

Apistos?

I'd seen that name thrown around here and there on this site, but never took the time to actually look them up. Now that I have, they look awesome! However, I don't think my lfs sells them. Is it a smart idea to have fish shipped to me? Or could possibly my lfs order some for me?

 

You can have fish shipped, though as the GBR and the kuhlis (who should also be in a larger group) should be in a bigger tank, why not move them to the 29 gal? You could do something like this:

2x GBR
8-10x Kuhlis
12x Rummynose

 

You can have fish shipped, though as the GBR and the kuhlis (who should also be in a larger group) should be in a bigger tank, why not move them to the 29 gal? You could do something like this:

2x GBR
8-10x Kuhlis
12x Rummynose

They will be moved into the 29gal so they are happier. I also plan to bulk up my loaches to maybe 6-8 since they can get up to 6inches in length. I thought about getting another ram to make a pair, but I have heard horror stories on how these fish are genetically modified and can develop complications that can lead to premature death. As for a schooling fish, I don't care for the rummynose tetras, but I do want a school of fish that won't cause overstocking issues.

 

8-10 kuhlis would be okay in a tank this size. They're not as active as other schooling fish

Rams are not genetically modified in the way that the glo fish are, but they are heavily bred and likely inbred (could be considered genetically modified if you consider artificial selection as genetic modification). The balloon rams are sickly because they are deformed, but a normal blue ram (or gold ram, same species) can lead a normal life.

What kind of schooling fish do you like?

 

8-10 kuhlis would be okay in a tank this size. They're not as active as other schooling fish

Rams are not genetically modified in the way that the glo fish are, but they are heavily bred and likely inbred (could be considered genetically modified if you consider artificial selection as genetic modification). The balloon rams are sickly because they are deformed, but a normal blue ram (or gold ram, same species) can lead a normal life.

What kind of schooling fish do you like?

I would love to get a pair of rams that aren't balloon. When I saw my Sir William (my balloon ram), I thought he was so cool and beautiful that I had to have him right then and there. Only later did I find out that they can have complications that can lead to their death and that's just sad.
As for schooling fish, I would like something colorful, active, and fun to watch but would also pair well with the possibility of living with a pair of rams.

 

Could I do this as a stocking option?:

6x kuhlI loaches
6x corydoras (don't know what species I would want yet, but something that stays smaller)
2x rams
8-10x cherry barb?

 

Cherries are fine, but I don't think you have room for cories as well.

 

Okay, thank you for all your help!