Can I get these instead?

[shockshockshad]

I have been reading, and it seems that bleeding heart tetras are one of the biggest tetra. Since my LFS keeps saying "they will come in tuesday. They will come in thursday. saturday, monday..." I don't think they will come in. I am going to ask if they have the bleeding hearts for my 75 gallon. Can I get 8 of them, since they are big enough for 8" cichlids? Or are they big enough?

.....Can I?

[gm72]

I think you'd be in good shape with them size-wise but not 100% sure about the compatibility with cichlids?

[shockshockshad]

I looked on elmersaquarium.com (I think elmer is a member here) and they are fine with Festivum, Frontosa Cichlid, Egyptian Mouthbrooder, Brasilensis Cichlid, Chocolate Cichlid, Jurapari Cichlid, Keyhole Cichlid, Kribensis Cichlid, Severum Cichlid, Tilapia Cichlid, Blood Parrot Cichlid , Urau Cichlid, and Angelfish so I think they should be fine with the acara and green terror

[gm72]

I think a large enough school as you describe should be able to neutralize aggression from the other tank mates.

[jbeining75]

All those are docile cichlid. A green terror is going to terririze them. You will need a large shoal and alot of fleeing places. My GT takes charge of my tank with a firemouth and a jack dempsey in it and the tetra will not be able to defend them. Shoaling is the only way to help combat some aggression.

[gm72]

That's what I was thinking, a large school should be okay, but, maybe not. No real way to tell. I think anticipate some initial aggression issues that should--SHOULD neutralize with a large enough school.

What do you think, Jamie?

[jbeining75]

I don't want to spoil but I wouldn't recommend it. I always hate to tell people not to do something because it works anyways when they do it. \

Here is the problem you will have... One a green terror when small is more docile like most cichlids (some are just mean always -red jewels). When he grows he is going to want to dominate the tank and that is going to lead to aggression in the tank... Shock I am not sure if you are saying bleeding hearts get upto 8 inches. If you are I'm not sure who told you that but they max at 3 and a half inches. Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma is the scientific name. They are some of the biggest tetras but even the biggest tetras will not stand upto the aggression of a green terror. If you look at that list all those cichlids are small and non aggressive except the angels. The angels get big but they are tall and have a small mouth opening. Natural instinct when territorial is to defend so when that Gt wants more room he will take it. 3 inches to a 9 inch Green Terror is just enough room to fit in his mouth rather easily. What about some silver dollars in the GT and Blue Acara tank.... I think they would be a better fit and you could shoal them up in 6 or so. Tetra and bigger cichlids just usually don't mix well....

[gm72]

Good points. I have never kept a GT so was looking forward to some additional information.

I think the silver dollar idea is a great one. What do you think, Shock?

[shockshockshad]

Jamie, I meant that the tetras are big enough that they dont't get eaten by cichlids that are 8". The main reason I was going to get the tetras is because I think someone told me that I could only get 3-4. But they are schooling fish, so it didn't feel right. But if I can get 6, then I will get the silver dollars.

[jbeining75]

Shock you could put like 20 or more bleeding hearts in a 75 gallon bud. They are bigger and a little more aggressive than most tetra. I hope whatever you decide is great for both you and the fish. I think you will make the right decision.

Metynnis argenteus is the common silver dollar. they get around 5-6 inches so a shoal of 6 in a 75 gallon would be no problem. They are a great dither fish and would definetely combat the aggresion of the GT and actually keep him away from the less aggressive Blue Acara.

Good luck and take some pics!!!!!:19:

[shockshockshad]

The LFS I nomally get fish at doesn't have the silver dollars in but I can call the one where I get supplies. They had a couple last week, so hopefully they have them now and I can get them today!

[jbeining75]

The LFS I nomally get fish at doesn't have the silver dollars in but I can call the one where I get supplies. They had a couple last week, so hopefully they have them now and I can get them today!

Good luck. You are making the right decision by keeping the tetra from the cichlids in a mixed tank. :19:

[shockshockshad]

I called and they don't have them. Oh well. My LFS where I was going to get them in the first place should have them by next saturday.

[jbeining75]

Hmmm.... well that sucks.... At least they can get them though.... Good luck with them....:c3:

[Incredulous_Ed]

no no no, get a large school of australian rainbowfish. They get bug, and are very, very fast, so they can avoid becoming GT snacks.

[shockshockshad]

I want something from south america, like the cichilds, so I am sticking with the silver dollars.