Where can i get quality fish? Also, need your advise...

[greatXpectations]

I am building a male "show" tank, so that rules out most online places because they dont sex the fish...the only LFS that i trust hasnt had any new stock in a while, so pickings are slim...

I have three male peacocks and one female (found a guy in town that was selling his stock because he was moving but would only let me buy a pair) in my tank and want to get my stock up in the 30s....im planning to have the tank overstocked...buying a fluval 305 soon, unless someone recommends something better :)

does it matter to have all males? ive heard that some wont color up well without females but i dont want "hybrid" breeding...

please give your suggestions, advice, etc as my mind is very impressionable right now since im still sorta new at chiclids

thanks

[DTB1]

I prefer low stocking levels with cichlids. I think it gives you a more natural behavior from your fish. I use lots of rocks and sight breaks allowing each fish their own territory. I also only keep one of any species, but that's just how I do it.

[greatXpectations]

well, the majority of what i read, and am told by local fish keepers says to over stock to prevent aggresion. i know SOMEBODY in my tank is aggressive because one of my zebra dainos got picked off... all four of my peacocks have been flaring up all day, but not at each other...yet.

i am wanting one of each species, which brings me to the reason for this post...where can i get QUALITY males? i dont want the random fish from petsmart, etc.

[kaybee]

Probably online or local breeders in your area are your best routes (for quality male peacocks), if the LFS' in your area don't carry what you want.

Depending on the type of cichlid, low stocking can amplify aggression since it can empower an aggressive fish (as it's easier to carry out specific 'targeting' with fewer tankmates).

Normal stocking levels work, and overstocking is an option (doesn't prevent aggression but counterbalances it), but not a requirement.

Edit: there are sites that sell matured (or confirmed males), but they'll cost more than unsexed juvies.

[gunk]

Well you would prevent aggression much easier by giving each fish its own territory. You'd probably just be stressing them out by keeping them in the open water without a place to hide and rest in. And cichlids get large too, so if you buy 30 small cichlids they will all grow up and require more space sooner than you think.

[greatXpectations]

This why I want more than less...besides, i think it looks cool with all the colors floating around!

I dont mind paying for mature fish, im just trying to find good sites, ones that dont charge a 78 dollar flat rate to ship em!



Probably online or local breeders in your area are your best routes (for quality male peacocks), if the LFS' in your area don't carry what you want.

Depending on the type of cichlid, low stocking can amplify aggression since it can empower an aggressive fish (as it's easier to carry out specific 'targeting' with fewer tankmates).

Normal stocking levels work, and overstocking is an option (doesn't prevent aggression but counterbalances it), but not a requirement.

Edit: there are sites that sell matured (or confirmed males), but they'll cost more than unsexed juvies.

[DTB1]

Well you would prevent aggression much easier by giving each fish its own territory. You'd probably just be stressing them out by keeping them in the open water without a place to hide and rest in. And cichlids get large too, so if you buy 30 small cichlids they will all grow up and require more space sooner than you think.

Totally agree. You also get more natural acting fish. It is always a balancing act with the agression in cichlids. Crowded cichlid tanks just seem boring to me, but that's me.

[Algenco]

best bet is to ask your LFS to order what you want.

[greatXpectations]

Totally agree. You also get more natural acting fish. It is always a balancing act with the agression in cichlids. Crowded cichlid tanks just seem boring to me, but that's me.


yea, i dont WANT to overcrowd them...i just dont want them going after each other. so far, everyone is calm and getting along ok. ive got nine fish chiclids in there now...prob add 4-6 more and go from there...prob give my yoyo a friend or two...still wanting a bristlenose pleco, too

[toddnbecka]

Here's a good list of online African cichlid dealers, and there's always aquabid too:
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