I feel horrible about my tank with cichlids

Homer16

I have a 30 gallon tank. I was planning to do cichlids, got two realized the tank was to small so I was able to rehome 1 Jewel Cichlid to someone with a 120 gallon tank. That left me with one cichlid left. Then my friend, decided she didnt want her three cichlids she bought for her 10 gallon tank so she brought them to me in a bag (shes no longer my friend). So, now I have 4 cichlids and no money for a new tank. It may be at least 6-12 months before I can afford a new tank because I have my assistance dog experiencing some health problems. I have tried to find someone to take them but anyone that wanted them had to small of a tank. I have 2 actual caves, 2 terra cotta planters that can be used as caves and drift wood with another ornament against it to make a cave like thing. I have lots of plants, heater, filter and air pump. Will this be okay until I can find money for a larger tank? I feel like a horrible person.

As for fish theres I believe 2 Kenyi and two assorted (from petsmart she says). Ones orange the other yellow.





Heres the filter. I can buy a larger one if need be. Its a penguin bio wheel 200 for 30-50 gals I believe

Tazman

Can you get a close up picture of the fish if at all possible? It would help a lot.

Homer16

Sure just give me a couple minutes to upload them :)

Homer16

There are two of these guys


One of this colour


One of this colour


On top of that petsmart staff are morons because they told my friend (and me as I called to see if she was lying) that cichlids would do fine in a 10-20 gallon tank. To top it off...they said South American and African cichlids can be kept together.

Tazman

Never listen to what a fish store tells you, 99% of the time they want your money, dont care about the long term survival of the fish.

Fish are Blue Zebra (Metriaclima callainos), yellow lab and a Red Zebra(Metriaclima estererae).

Sadly the two blue ones are extremely aggressive and unfortunately none are suitable for your tank

I would seriously consider seeing if a local fish store could take them. The Red Zebra alone will get to 6" and with the Metriaclima callainos, there is a major issue as they hate fish from the same genus (Metriaclima). There will be WW3 at some point in this tank.

I know this is not what you wanted to hear but there is going to be major problems.

Where in Canada are you as I may be able to find somewhere for them for you.

Homer16

Southern Ontario, Canada. I went to petsmart and I saw some of the blue striped ones and they said they were Kenyi Cichlids?? Are there any cihclids that I can put in this tank besides the shell swellers? I like cichlids, but am open to anything. At least they are in a 30 gallon for now and not the measily 10 gallon my EX friend had them in

jpbotha

Besides the type of fish, 4 x Cichlids should not overstock you tank for now when they are small.

But within a year all cichlids will outgrow a 30g tank.

PLEASE STOP FEELING LIKE A HORRIBLE PERSON, this has happened to all of us.

Homer16

There is one pleco in there for the algae and stuff. I can take him out if need be but hes being left alone to do his thing. I havent noticed any aggression yet, the odd time the blues will chase each other but theres no biting or stuff. I am currently looking into a 55 gallon aquarium with everything for $200 but if that doesnt pan out I wont be able to do anything for a while. $200 is the max I can pay right now

Tazman

Correct on it being a Pseudotropheus elongatus - it's late and I messed that one up.

The fish will be ok for a little while but in a few months the elongatus could cause major issues. If you really keep on top of the water parameters and provide a lot of rocks either real or fake to breakup the tank and lines of sight, then it might work.

Best advice, I would offer is monitor the tank and keep up with water changes. Hope it works out for you.

Homer16

I could see about finding the blue guys a new home and keep the other two. I was intending to add more stuff I just need to wait until I get paid. I dont know the difference between different types of cichlids, I assumed it was a Kenyi since petsmart carries them and my EX friend said she got the from petsmart.

If I rehome the 2 Kenyis is there anything else I could add? Im hoping the 55 gal pans out