choosing fish for a smaller tank

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stoop
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 10:06 pm

choosing fish for a smaller tank

Post by stoop »

I'm excited to share my new 100L tank with you all, it's 76cm x 36cm x 36cm.
I've had fish for a few years now, but I'm a complete newbie when it comes to cichlids.
I thought about malawis, but after doing some research, I'm worried most species might outgrow my tank.
I know this is a common question, but I'd love to hear your suggestions for a tank of this size.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Cobyx
Posts: 31
Joined: Tue May 31, 2022 3:34 am

Re: choosing fish for a smaller tank

Post by Cobyx »

A male/female kribensis pair would be a good choice. I've had success with them in smaller tanks, 20 gallons in fact, and they did really well, even bred.
inquiro
Posts: 7
Joined: Fri Jan 20, 2023 2:54 am

Re: choosing fish for a smaller tank

Post by inquiro »

For a 100L tank, you could consider apistogramma or kribensis - like Cobyx mentioned. Ram cichlids are another option, or even a checkerboard cichlid, though they do need pretty low pH, around 5.6.
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lanky_bark
Posts: 14
Joined: Thu Jul 21, 2022 5:45 pm

Re: choosing fish for a smaller tank

Post by lanky_bark »

Agreed on the kribensis, I think they'd do really well in a tank that size.
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ocean4
Posts: 10
Joined: Sat Mar 05, 2022 3:33 pm

Re: choosing fish for a smaller tank

Post by ocean4 »

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.
stoop
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 10:06 pm

Re: choosing fish for a smaller tank

Post by stoop »

Appreciate the suggestions, I'm now considering moving my tetras to the 100L and converting the 60L to a fiddler crab setup. Still weighing my options, but it's giving me some ideas.
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onetask
Posts: 21
Joined: Fri Mar 04, 2022 1:28 pm

Re: choosing fish for a smaller tank

Post by onetask »

What type of tetras do you have in your 60L tank, I'm curious to know.

If you're considering a South American tetra species, I think a pair of Laetacara curviceps would complement them nicely in the 100L. I've always been fond of these dwarf flag cichlids - they have a unique shape and their courtship displays are truly stunning.

I've had some experience with them, and while they can be a bit feisty if the pair isn't well-bonded, they're generally easy-going and get along well with tetras. One approach could be to start with a small group and let a pair form naturally, then rehome the others.
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flinta
Posts: 34
Joined: Sat Mar 05, 2022 1:32 am

Re: choosing fish for a smaller tank

Post by flinta »

With a tank of your size, you've got a good range of options when it comes to Tanganyikan cichlids, I think they're definitely worth considering.
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