Quick Question. Need Answer

CraigBates

Currently I have a 55G tank Houseing 1 Green Terror approx 2 3/4 inches, 1 Convict approx 2- 2 1/4 inches, 1 Pleco not sure what kind about 4 inches, and 2 smaller bottom feeder type fish, I Have had the Green Terror and Convict for about 3 months maybe a little less, they seem to be growing very slow, they probably both only grew about a 1/4 of an inch since I got them.

Im wondering is my tank to over crowded with fish? From what I have read it doesnt seem to crowded.

Do I got to many decorations in my tank? Here is a Picture of how my tank is currently setup.

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9429/fishtankkk.jpg

I realize that both of the fish are slow growing breeds but I thought maybe after about 3 months they should have grown more then 1/4 inch or less. all these sizes im providing are estimates.

Thanks.

Fusion MK

Answer to first question:
I would say that your tank has the stocking of a 20 gallon (right now, at least). Perhaps get another convict and green terror, and perhaps with a few other fish (with good filtration and a bunch of live plants, of course).

Answer to second question:
As soon as I saw your picture, I actually laughed a bit. In my sincere opinion, your tank is much -- MUCH too crowded. Lay back on the plastic plants a bit, maybe take out a third or so of the plants.

Answer to third question:
Listen -- a Convict Cichlid regularly grows up to a size OF ONLY 3-4 inches. Your convict may not be growing anymore, or it is slowly growing into its adult size. Give your convict a year or so, and it should be half an inch or so longer. Your green terror, I cannot explain its size dilemma.

iamntbatman

Male convicts get around six inches with the females getting more like 4.5-5".

How often are you doing water changes on the tank, and how much are you changing? What do you feed the fish and how often do you feed them?

I don't think the tank is overdecorated right now but as the fish grow you might want to pull a few of the plants out to give them a little more space to move around.

1077

I would perhaps be hesitant to add another convict lest you wind up with a male/female and then all he...breaks loose should they decide to spawn. They are quite capable of killing much larger fish than themselves when breeding activity or fry protection occurs. I too have seen convicts at near five inches perhaps a bit more.
Were it me, I might consider the addition of one Firemouth and possibly one Blue Acara for your tank and that would be all. I believe two Green Terrors would scrap with each other eventually ,and keeping single species of each of the fish would come closer to maintaining some type of community considering they are Cichlids.