[CrazedHoosier]

For the 2nd time this month I have lost a German Blue Ram. I don't think I will be getting another Ram from the German Blue morph (Golds, electrics, Balloons) family, again. I do want to keep enjoying the beautiful family of cichlidae, so how do other dwarfs such as, Apistos, Kribs and Bolivians stand in hardiness? Thanks!

P.s. First time on this site! Originally from BettaFish.com!

 

[tankman12]

Kribs and bolivians are the most hardy things in the world. Most apistos are hardy as well.
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[scott1234]

Tankman is right, Bolivian Rams are great. I have had a pair for almost 2 years (thriving). my GH is about 300ppm, PH 8.0-8.2ish.

 

[tankman12]

Scott they actually like hard water, im pretty sure. Kribs like whatever and will breed in whatever, cuz their habitat is all different ranges. Apistos will thrive in anything. But for breeding and best coloration, acidic water with tannins is the best. Their is also keyhole cichlids, very hardy fish. Get somewhat big 4-5 inches (i believe). But usually peaceful. Also checkerboard cichlids, peaceful, cool looking but not overly colorful. Also likes acidic. water.
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[CrazedHoosier]

Wow, thanks guys! Do any of you know about Flag Cichlids? Are they community compatible? Also, I would love some more recommendations for some hardy, community cichlids!
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[tankman12]

Flags are good, but do best in pairs (i think) and get pretty big. Some options for your tank are
Bolivain rams
Apistos
Kribs
Keyholes
A convict
A firemouth
Angel or angels
Dwarf pike cichlids
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[CrazedHoosier]

How would a convict be with the fish I have? They seem to be a very hardy, good- sized beginner cichlid! Would love to have one!
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[tankman12]

One would be fine. Now a breeding pair would destroy everything.
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[tankman12]

Oh i dont think convicts are good with plants o_0
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[CrazedHoosier]

Dang it! So close to finding a fit for my aquarium! Oh well. How would a Firemouth do in my tank? Also, do you know anything about Lab cichlids?
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[tankman12]

Labs are africans, so no. A firemouth may work. What else is in the tank? I forget.

Do some research on the convicts. Cuz im not 100% sure.
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[CrazedHoosier]

I have Female Guppies, Female Bettas, Mollies, Harlequin Rasboras and a Dwarf Gourami.

 

[tankman12]

Than 1 firemouth should be good.
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[Philnominal]

Firemouths will get big enough to eat guppys and possibly the herliquins. Also it may not get along with the Dwarf Gourami and will likely dig up any plants as they are an earth mover. Convicts are notoriously aggressive, not only when they are breeding but just in general so i would steer away from them especially with your stock list.

 

[tankman12]

Red hump geophagus are a good choice.
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[CrazedHoosier]

Are Bolivians rare? I've only seen them at my local Petsmart and Petco once. My Petco almost always has a different coloration of the German Blue morph every week!
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[Super4Ever]

Bolivian Rams aren't rare. At least for me. Every fish store around here, small business or chain, carries them. It's the German Rams that are rare for me.

 

[tankman12]

All my petcos have gold and german rams, they also have bolivians. So does my petsmart. My petco can get electric rams and apistos. But my lfs can get anything. If you are ever in massachusetts go to neds fish factory in millis. It is the BEST place in the world. Or at least when i went there. It is a 2 hour drive for me(it isnt my LFS) so i have only been once, awesome place though.
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[Super4Ever]

I can't get Apistos anywhere around me unfortunately.

 

[tankman12]

That stinks...
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