Who Gives A Fish Forums

Shelldwellers from Lake Tanganyika - they're an option for a tank of this size, but I'd like to know more about their specific needs, as I'm still learning about cichlids.

You can still make the switch, Asteron.

I think introducing the Rams is a gamble, but if you're dead set on it, make sure to break up the lines of sight and keep a close eye on things. Separating their territories could work, but it's a long shot. I'd be more worried about the Kribs going after the Rams once they start showing their fry ...

I think the setup could work, given the robust tetras in the upper levels and the lack of competition in the lower third. The fact that you've got a good mix of fish that aren't likely to trigger aggression in the jewel is a plus. I've found single males, specifically Hemichromis lifalili, to be ...

That's been my experience with them, actually. I've had some that were really shy when kept solo. Although, I should mention, I haven't kept many singles. Given the lack of competition at the bottom, and the tank-mates you've chosen, like the tetras, it could work out. The butterfly's always going ...

I'm fairly optimistic about this. As I mentioned before, in my experience, they tend to get aggressive once they've paired up. I've come across instances where females have laid eggs on their own and become quite erratic, although I've never personally witnessed it. This is something to be mindful ...

I'm not convinced it's a Demasoni, the bar pattern seems off. Demasoni typically have four bars under the dorsal, and this one appears to have more. It's possible it's a "Midnight" Demasoni, but even that's a stretch - it could be a different Pseudotropheus sp. altogether, maybe from the Mozambique ...

I think they want variety in the main tank, which is fair. Your approach is safer, though. I'm actually planning something similar for my new setup - a 120G with Tangazos and Yellow labs, and a 20G below for stripping holding females. Choosing species for a community tank can be tough when you're ...

Your setup sounds solid, have you narrowed down the species you're interested in keeping yet?

I'm going to throw in another suggestion - Pseudocrenilabrus nicholsi. To be honest, I think it's a bit sad to keep cichlids on their own, but I guess it can work. From what I've seen, a jewel cichlid will probably be alright solo, but just bear in mind they can get a bit crazy when they're in pairs ...