Cichlids for a 30g

**JCheco** · 10-29-2010, 09:39 AM

So I have this new thirty gallon and I'm pretty sure that I'm gonna want to stock it with at least one cichlid(showpiece) or a pair and try breeding them. I'm pretty aware that this size tank would probably be good for say some GBR's or convicts but I'd possibly like something different. So the question is what would you guys suggest.

**waack** · 10-29-2010, 10:29 AM

its not am american cichlid but kribensis are a great fish can be placed in a community with little agression and have really interesting behaviour

**JCheco** · 10-30-2010, 02:22 AM

After looking around I have to admit that I like to try some Blue Auruem.

**Lab_Rat** · 10-30-2010, 02:36 AM

They're pretty fish, but with a max size of 6-7 inches, 30g seems like it would be a tight fit, even for a pair. Have you looked into bolivian rams or any of the apistos? Nyetes and other similar africans would be another option.

**coolingeffect** · 10-30-2010, 06:05 AM

cryptoheros nanoleatus (yellow convicts) are very cool fish and stay small and can even be kept in a community type setting. Also look into rainbow cichlids, they stay pretty small and are quite interesting.

**JCheco** · 10-30-2010, 07:38 AM

I figured they might of been a little bit too big but hey thats why I post on here

**toddnbecka** · 10-30-2010, 08:14 AM

I have a load of Australoheros oblongum juvies available, a pair would be fine in a 30. I bred them in a 30L then in a 29, no problems after they sorted out the parenting roles. The first several spawns they ate the fry soon after they were free-swimming, but the last time around (in the 29) they raised them quite well. Males max out around 5", females closer to 4", and they're incredibly mellow toward anything other than conspecifics. Even a breeding pair with eggs/fry won't bother anything else, though on the other hand they won't protect their spawn effectively either.
Adult male:

Adult female:

Juvies:

**JCheco** · 10-30-2010, 08:33 AM

I might have to take you up on that offer you two, could you guarantee a pair and if so about how much do you think you'd want?

**toddnbecka** · 10-31-2010, 02:52 AM

I can't guarantee a pair of the oblongum, they're still months away from maturing. At their current size (1.5-2") I sell them for $5/each or $25/6. Total for 6 shipped Priority Mail would be $35. The last ones I grew out long enough to pair up were selling for $40/pair on aquabid. I have over 100 of them on hand, and enough tanks to grow them out, but I really don't expect to have them all that long.

**JCheco** · 11-01-2010, 07:35 PM

I'll definately have to keep that in mind I still have to get a filter for this tank though first before I can even start the cycle though I just like to have planning done way ahead of time so I can mull things over.