What's the best way to set up a tank for Cichlids?

Monalza2779

Hello, I have 2 Oscars and 2 Jack Dempseys in a 55 gallon tank. I have recently had to take out my tree log ornament because my one Jack Dempsey took over the was getting too territorial and attacking the others. My oscars are very passive - not aggressive at all and my other Jack Dempsey is timid. Right now I have nothing in the tank because if I put anything in it, the Jack Dempsey seems to start getting aggressive. How do I stop him from being aggressive and what type of tank setup do oscars and jack dempseys like?

cerianthus

Put more rocks/driftwood. Any chance of JD spawning as they get pretty territorial when near breeding?

adpierin11

I think what your problem is the tank isn't large enough for those 4 fish. I would have stayed with a pair in a 55, but with 4 of them you need to up the tank size. Just like you have been experiencing they will start to fight over specific territory because there isn't enough room.
If you add more caves (hiding spots) then the aggression may lower a bit, but until you up the tank size they will keep fighting over specific territory.