[prestige1258]

This is my 1st post hi everyone. I have a 30 gallon that I am raring to get started. First of all the measurements are 30 1/4in long x 12 1/2in wide x 18 3/4in tall. That is all I have right now so I'm looking for advise on everything, which filters, heaters, sand or rocks for example. I am new to aquariums but I am currently cycling a 6 gallon for a betta. I want the inhabitants for my 30 gallon to be convict cichlids. I was thinking maybe a male black convict and a female pink convict. Or a black convict with a salvini maybe? And what companions could I add, should I add companions? Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks you guys.

Also I don't want breeding so I'll probably go with all females

 

[Aqua Jon]

Hello and welcome.

I like the black and pink combination idea. Sounds cool. I dont have experience with convicts, but most cichlids are picky with tank mates and decor. Give them a good read through and build your tank around them and your tap water. I would first start with a read through of the sticky notes in the beginner section. Then ask your questions after that.

Or if you've done that reading. Give some examples or ideas of what you'd dream up into a 30g convict tank. That way we can all target the advice in that direction you're hoping to head.

 

[keepsmiling]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on getting your first tank going. I have not kept cichlids, but two six inch aggressive fish in a 30 gallon tank is more than enough in my opinion.

 

[prestige1258]

Thanks for the help so far!
Well I'm thinking female pink and black convicts 1 each. Ive researched and most things I'm finding is aimed more towards those who want their convicts to mate. For example there are a lot of posts about why sponge filters are good for fry and having safe places for egg laying but I'm not breeding.
My main questions would be...
what is a good filter, I was thinking about 1 marineland bio wheel power filter penguin 200 50 gallons or should i get 2 smaller filters?
I hear Ebo-jager heaters are great so I'm thinking about getting that one, any thoughts?
And what other fish could live with them in a 30 gallon without overstocking?
I think I'm gonna have large gravel, and rocks in the tank with no plants.
Someone just suggest Archocentrus multispinosus(Rainbow cichlid) as tankmates so I've research that a little.

 

[Aqua Jon]

Okay so from what I've read about your cichlids-to-be is that the convicts are quite aggressive. However since you will have 2 females in there, you may be able to sneak in the rainbow cichlid which is considered a mild/peaceful fish. I would think to start out with the rainbow first as the others will be more aggressive in territory. BUT to be safe, allow plenty of breaks in line of site with the rocks so they can have each their own "cubicle".

As far as filters, I see nothing wrong with the penguin filter.
Ebo-jager are great heaters. I use and like Stealth. I've even had luck with some of the cheaper heaters.

 

[jeaninel]

I would not add any more cichlids in with the two convicts. A 30 gallon is just not enough room. You could probably add a few swordtails or a school of the more robust tetras such as serpae or columbian tetras.
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[jeaninel]

Also, make sure you have at least a couple caves for the convicts.
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[Agent13]

no more cichlids.. even female convicts are very mean. My bf had to take his female fry out of a 125g ( I think) because even as a little thing she was terrorizing his tank. she has her own tank.. mean mean pink convict.

like jeaninel said..hides and caves!! they need their own space. Plants that would close to the top of the tank would help defining territories too.

 

[jaysee]

She terrorized a 75 gallon and also a 55 with much larger cichlids than her, at only 2 inches long.

 

[Cichlidsrule102]

Why not get a firemouth and some larger tetras, with a small group of cories? Thats what I'm doing (I have yet to add the tetras) and so far the firemouth has a live and let live attitude towards the much, much smaller corydoras catfish. A heavily planted tank with one of the most colourful (and peaceful) cichlids around, a school of colourful tetras or barbs and a small school of adorable little cory cats.

 

[Agent13]

Why not get a firemouth and some larger tetras, with a small group of cories? Thats what I'm doing (I have yet to add the tetras) and so far the firemouth has a live and let live attitude towards the much, much smaller corydoras catfish. A heavily planted tank with one of the most colourful (and peaceful) cichlids around, a school of colourful tetras or barbs and a small school of adorable little cory cats.

Firemouths are less appropriate for adding other fish in a 30g... I'd keep a pair of fire mouths in that size tank..but with nothing else.. They are larger then convicts.

aaaannddd.. They are by FAR not the most colorful cichlids around. I can look all around my house and take pics to prove that ;-). and my BFs place as well.

 

[Cichlidsrule102]

Firemouths are less appropriate for adding other fish in a 30g... I'd keep a pair of fire mouths in that size tank..but with nothing else.. They are larger then convicts.

aaaannddd.. They are by FAR not the most colorful cichlids around. I can look all around my house and take pics to prove that ;-). and my BFs place as well.

I didnt say THE most colourful cichlids around, but I've seen some that were certainly up there with the best. Their coloration can rival that of the most colourful africans. Oh, and I'd love to see those pics . And I have personally seen a 7-8 inch male pink convict (no it was NOT a midas) at my lfs. And despite their usually larger size, fire mouths are wusses compared to convicts. I keep mine quite successfully with head and tail light tetras and cory cats. Cheers, Jim

 

[jaysee]

Yeah, I don't know what Africans you've seen, but i wouldn't put them in the same league. I wouldn't even put them near the top of NW cichlids. we all find different things attractive I guess.

 

[Cichlidsrule102]

True. As an example, some people love oscars and some people find them repulsive and ugly. Personally I love oscars, but each to their own.