Parrot Cichlids

**haut92** · 08-21-2009, 07:29 PM

I recently started liking parrot fish a lot and think I might want to get a pair for my up and coming 125g. I already have a sand/gravel substrate and a large piece of driftwood in the tank. I have a few questions but I'll start with these:

1. I want a decently planted low light tank, will they work well with live plants?

and

2. I originally figured I wanted a large group of small fish (love little tetras but they would be way to small no?) with some loaches (probably clowns) and a pair or so of angels. Would I be able to keep the parrot with those? MAybe if I used some danios for the small school? What are some other good peaceful tankmates for a parrot?

Thanks!

**haut92** · 08-21-2009, 08:19 PM

I found out the congo tetra was another fish I really liked that was housed with a parrot I loved. I guess I would rather use them instead of danios. How would they be with a couple pairs of angels or would the angels be too nippy for their fins?

I'd probably also want a bn pleco in there too, or maybe ottos for algae control...

**Northernguy** · 08-21-2009, 09:18 PM

I don't think parrots will hurt the plants and they should be fine with angels.
I think a school of congo tetras would be nice in there as well.

**Lady Hobbs** · 08-21-2009, 09:56 PM

Blood parrot you mean and not the parrot cichlid? http://cichlidresearch.com/parrot.html Two different fish but I assume you are talking of the blood parrot.

Several would do great together in a planted large tank like that. It seems an odd combination having angels with them but according to the chart they appear to be able to be together. Blood parrots get along better as a group than angels do. I think I'd keep the angels in a separate tank but that's just my thoughts.

**lg0815** · 08-22-2009, 12:11 AM

you might be able to even keep noens with parrots becouse most cant open there mouth wide enough to get even a small fish in

i hope i am right about this

**haut92** · 08-22-2009, 11:42 PM

Ya, I'd rather not risk it?

So,

2-4 blood parrots
5+congos
2 angels
1 bn pleco

What else should I add to finish off the tank? I was thinking maybe a school of corys or loaches? or maybe just 1-2 more other fish but I have no Idea what to add.

Also, if I were to go with the setup, how should I add this fish. My tank is cycling right now with no fish in it, just 1 large piece of driftwood with a bunch of fungus on it.

**s72450** · 08-23-2009, 12:04 AM

I have about nine neons with my parrot and there has never been a problem. He doesn't mess with the plants either. I'd love to get another parrot sometime because they are a lot of fun to watch.

**haut92** · 08-24-2009, 07:57 PM

Ok, well my tank is about ready to start adding fish to.

I think I want to:

Start with a bn pleco and plants then wait. Will the BN take car of the stringy white fungus on my driftwood? Otherwise I am not sure I have enough algae to keep it happy, some algae sinking waffers should help that right?
Then put in 6+congos and wait
Then go with an angel pair or two
Then go with a few rams (should I get a pair or a male and 2 females)...and wait
Then finish the tank with 2-4 blood parrots so they can grow up with the littler guys

Is this a bad plan, also how many parrots and what genders would work best?

I want a school of bottom feeders, I love clowns but am afraid that a proper school would put me over in stocking? What else should I look at or would a clown school be ok?

Also, do any of these fish need any special decorations other than the large driftwood and many plants I will have?

Thanks!