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26K views 82 replies 5 participants last post by  babarian16 
#1 ·
I am switching my all male african cichlid tank to a peaceful freshwater tank. I used to have a live bearer 20 gallon aquarium and enjoyed watching the breeding process. Had many baby survive without even having to separate them.

I want a colorful tank without the aggression of the africans. I was looking at possibly some cardinal tetras for my schooling fish (maybe 10?) and then maybe some platys in hopes of having some breeding action (1m 5f if sex-able) .

Other than that I'm not sure what else would make a cool community. Possibly a few Roseline Sharks?

Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions!!:cool:
 
#80 ·
Based on observing my tank layout and the behavior of the young rams so far I don't see where a third pair could claim a territory without constant disputes from both sides. The two probable spawning areas I have (one of which is claimed) are on opposite sides of the tank and provide plenty of space for the rams to breed undisturbed by the other pair. I think I like two pairs better for this reason. Im just unsure what rams i would want for my second pair. Possibly the same male german ram and female electric blue as my other pair.

Also Im not getting any bottom dwellers like cories or loaches, instead id rather stock the rest of the tank with mid-surface swimming fish (to go with the platy's)
 
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#81 ·
Sounds good to me!
Do you know how to sex electric blues? It's hard but look for a slightly shorter body, no extended 2 or 3rd dorsal ray(the black ones) they'll be longer then the 1st but those 2 should match or closely match the length on the blue dorsal rays. Females will have a rounded dorsal fin at the end not pointy like males. Ventral fins will be shorter on females as well. Anal fin tends to be a bit more roused on females and pointy on males(however that last one is only 70% of the time IME.

Good luck :)
 
#82 ·
I wasn't 100% sure when I bought them but thought I had a male n female and i do so I guess i did ok :p
They all have rounded dorsal fins and obviously no pink belly on electric females lol. I find the extended ray the only visible difference between the two that I can see now. Ill take a look at ventral fins also and see if that helps a bit too. Should I buy two females and let the last male choose or just trade in the male for one female and hope for the best and i get lucky again?
 
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