[saganco]

Would this combination work?
Aequidens portalegrensis (Port Acara)
Cryptoheros sajica (T-Bar Cichlid)
Herotilapia multispinosa (Rainbow Cichlid)
Firemouth (edit: removed from the option list)
Archocentrus sp. (Honduran Red Point)

I have a 65g with a 36x18 footprint - lots of rock formations (caves and tunnels) and some plants (in pots). My ph is 7.8, I have a fluval 405 filter, and am looking for as many mating pairs of fish as possible with no problems as a result (I'm thinking 3 pair is possible, but would 4 be too many?). I'm solid on the Rainbow Cichlid and the T-Bar, the others are optional. I was thinking of Bosemani Rainbows and Rainbow Sharks (both regular and albino) as tank mates. (seems to be a recurring theme of "rainbow" here!) What do you experienced cichlidites think? What would you recommend based on these preferences and my tank specs?

Thank you, thank you...

 

[Lupin]

I can't comment on some cichlids as I haven't kept them but I wouldn't get firemouths. They spawn and you'll have problems with them. They are quite belligerent.
As for rainbow sharks, I wouldn't get them either. They are far too aggressive and will secure their territories. Synodontis species are your other options. Try Synodontis eupterus or Synodontis petricolas.

 

[saganco]

Yeah, after more reading, have decided to take the Firemouths out of the list of possibilities. I am solid on the Rainbow cichlid pair and the T-Bar pair. I would like to look into the Honduran Red Points, but may have to choose between them and the T-Bars if they interbreed. I need more guidance from the pros!
Thanks in advance anyone who can weigh in on the cichlid compatibility for me!

 

[Daz]

Hello Sagenco,

Firstly it's Cichlidophile not cichlidites. But by the by, Pair of Rainbows and the T bars they will be fine until they get frisky. Rainbows TBH ar'nt the most striking of Cics they are quite playful amongst themselves. Not familair with the Hondurans. After a quick google there quite nice little critters. BUT putting 2 seperate pairs in a tank of that size and hoping they breed your only going to end up with 2.

 

[Gump]

If you kept all males or females you should be fine. just make sure you have enough territories for each one.

 

[saganco]

dlil, I'm confused a bit (oh thanks for correcting my language, I'm very new to this part of fishkeeping!). You said, "BUT putting 2 seperate pairs in a tank of that size and hoping they breed your only going to end up with 2". Can you please explain what you mean a little more?

I know they aren't THE most beautiful of cics, but they are peaceful enough and most of the pics I've seen - they look pretty nice (grant, not like the mbuna's and such, but they they won't tear each other apart either - I'm too softhearted to watch that in my tank, especially when they are so beautiful).

Help me understand the pair issue you mentioned. Also, if anyone has some colorful ideas for tank mates, I'm all ears. I don't know if I should go with something like bosemani rainbows or something more like some barbs. These being fairly mild mannered cics, barbs may be too much, and tetras may be too meek. Any suggestions?

 

[Daz]

If you put seperate breeding pairs in the tank you will possibly end up with only one pair. Colourful peaceful Cics Salvinis.

 

[saganco]

Oh, I forgot to ask if there are ANY shrimp that would survive and live well in this tank with the listed tankmates? I just adore shrimp and hope there is a candidate who will fare well with these cichlids and tank mates... PLEASE!!??

 

[jsm11482]

i think amano's would work at least until the fish get big enough to eat 'em!

 

[saganco]

Good dither fish options for the Cryptoheros sajica (T-Bar Cichlid) and Herotilapia Multispinosa (Rainbow Cichlid) pairs might be??

I would like (IF POSSIBLE) for my beautiful Rainbow Sharks to be part of the group. I have two in my 55g live bearer tank, but 2 isn't a good number, one is always stressed by the other one, but they don't seem to bother anyone else at all. Perhaps some of the prettier Rainbowfish that can tolerate our ph of 7.8? I'm open to some pretty, but not nippy options here...

You guys rock! Thanks again for all your help!

 

[Lupin]

I would like (IF POSSIBLE) for my beautiful Rainbow Sharks to be part of the group. I have two in my 55g live bearer tank, but 2 isn't a good number, one is always stressed by the other one, but they don't seem to bother anyone else at all.

Rainbows are quite belligerent esepcially among themselves. It is advisable to keep only one in a spacious tank.

 

[saganco]

Bummer, guess I'll leave one in each tank then.

What other good dithers (rainbowfish good?) for these cichlids and my yo-yo loaches?

What other cleaning crew? Non pleco choices please, hubby for some reason just doesn't like them.

 

[Lupin]

Bummer, guess I'll leave one in each tank then.

What other good dithers (rainbowfish good?) for these cichlids and my yo-yo loaches?

What other cleaning crew? Non pleco choices please, hubby for some reason just doesn't like them.

Try Lamprichthys tanganicanus. They are killifish and they will also tolerate high pH(if your water's pH is high) very well and originate from Lake Tanganyika. Never tried them so that's a suggestion. I'm not sure if they are available in your area.:mrgreen:
If not, go with rainbows. Try Red Rainbows.
I wouldn't try loaches. They are just out of your cichlids' league. Synodontis catfish are good options if not plecs. There are Synodontis eupterus, Synodontis petricola and Synodontis multipunctatus to boot.:thumbsup:

 

[saganco]

Thanks Blue, I'll look into those other fish. What did you mean when you said that loaches are out of my cichlid's league? Yo-yo loaches don't get really big from what I've read...

 

[Lupin]

Thanks Blue, I'll look into those other fish. What did you mean when you said that loaches are out of my cichlid's league? Yo-yo loaches don't get really big from what I've read...

They just don't look quite right when mixed with Central American cichlids. Would prefer mixing them with other Asian fishes like the cyprinids.

 

[joeshmoe]

shouldnt this be in the cichlid sub-forum

 

[saganco]

Cichlid sub forum... you are right! It was a newbie goof up - I meant to put it there. MOD, can you move this thread please? Thanks!

 

[Lupin]

Cichlid sub forum... you are right! It was a newbie goof up - I meant to put it there. MOD, can you move this thread please? Thanks!

Done at your request.

 

[saganco]

I have a breeding pair of HRP's right now, the eggs were laid Tuesday night and this is Friday night. My questions are
1) The poor male has been banished from the "breeding corner" of the tank (right in the corner against the side and back of the tank) - he seems terribly bored and loney. Can I add two rainbowfish to the tank to add a little activity to the upper part of the tank (24" tall tank)
2) Would the mom be too upset if I did so - or would either of them try to hurt the rainbowfish?
3) Would I be better off with a siamese algae eater or a catfish of some kind - and if catfish, may as well go with something that would be of value at the LFS if I could get them to breed.
Sorry for so many more questions!

 

[Lupin]

1) The poor male has been banished from the "breeding corner" of the tank (right in the corner against the side and back of the tank) - he seems terribly bored and loney. Can I add two rainbowfish to the tank to add a little activity to the upper part of the tank (24" tall tank)

Yes. Your tank is 65 gallons so the rainbows have a chance to escape being attacked by your cichlids. Be sure to provide more plants so the male Honduran will have a chance to seek refuge if ever the female may attack him.

2) Would the mom be too upset if I did so - or would either of them try to hurt the rainbowfish?

Answer is above. Provide lots of plants and your female cichlid won't be upset too easily by the activities going on during her care for her fry.

3) Would I be better off with a siamese algae eater or a catfish of some kind - and if catfish, may as well go with something that would be of value at the LFS if I could get them to breed.

If not otos or SAEs, bristlenose would be your other option. As mentioned in your other thread, they are hardy and quite easy to breed. Just provide them with lots of hiding places. They are quite aggressive when matured but given lots of hiding places, they may not. My BN still sticks to her territory all the time which is the largest bogwood situated at the back of my tank.:mrgreen:

Sorry for so many more questions!

Don't apologize. If you have more to ask, feel free.:thumbsup: