Topic: my first cichlid tank

[kingrichard5405]

i have a 20 gallon tank and 5 cichlids

[Katt]

welcome.

sounds nice, what kinda cichlids are they.
can you tell us alittle bit more, about your setup, and a picture would be nice.

[kingrichard5405]

i have 1 kinyi 1 red zebra 1 jack dempsey 1 bumble bee and electric yellow

[johnl]

Hi and welcome. Bad news is a 20 is way too small for all those fish and mixing african's and sa's is not a good idea they require different water conditions.

[Gerry]

Welcome to the site.

have to agree the tank is to small for the cichlids you have, the Jack Dempsey also requires different water to the others to thrive and gets to around 10" so the 20 is way to small for him even on his own

[kingrichard5405]

I thought the rule was 1 gallon per inch of fish i was told by petsmart the jd was only supposed to get 4 1/2 inches as i found out they were wrong what should i do i cant afford to go bigger

[Gerry]

That rule is for community fish and not big boisterous messy cichlids.

If you can't upgrade then I would take it back to the store and tell them they gave you bad info and you want your cash back

here is the JD profile
http://www.worldcichlids.com/fishprofiles/jd.html

[Dan]

Hi and welcome to the site!     Gerry hit the nail on the head!   Definitely bad info. given to you. 

[kingrichard5405]

thank you guys i am taking back the jd tommorrow because he will get way to big for this tank

[LittleFrog]

Actually, you should take all of them back.  All of your cichlids will outgrow your tank.  The Africans you have will need at least a 4 foot tank and will need to be kept in much greater quantities to get along.  As they are now, they will start killing each other off as they mature.

[FlacoLove]

Welcome to the sport. Although I feel ya on the beauti and comfort an aquarium will bring, you would do well by clicking your browser on topics pertaining to your pets. Please don't take me for a hater but nature cannot be disputed. What I mean is...Cichlids are territorial and very agressive, especially in tight comfinements. (it's not like you can tell 'em to stop picking on him/her!) and they will grow! Once adapted to its' new environment, they will stake out a territory and defend it to the death. Go back to the petshop and trade some of them cichlids for some compatability because there is going to be a lot of bullying going on in your tank. It is not a pretty sight to see a glorious looking fish torn up to pieces. (I speak from the wisdom of my experiences). Many beginners start picking beautiful looking specimens to spice up their viewing pleasures and 1-2 days later see either a dead fish or and ugly looking battle ridden fish. That is cruel! Learn about compatibility, water conditions, environmental ornaments and factors, food, etc.. You will soon note that this hobby requires extreme responsibilities. If you find that you are not up to such, I recommend you trade them in for some goldfish whereas all you have to do is give 'em fresh tap water, feed 'em anything, and you don't even need a heater, (goldfish will survive in plain toilet water). But Cichlids require special water conditions, space, temperature, lots of love. And in return, you will be blessed with a behavior unlike any other specimen. Good luck.

[Gerry]

I think you need to take them all back and get something else for the 20.

you could get a pair of apistogrammas and some tetras

[LittleFrog]

Shellies would work too. 

[kingrichard5405]

First off my water is where it needs to be and i wont be changing fish so get that out of your head if they get aggressive then i will upgrade at that time but until then thell be fine so screw that idean of changing i did my research to make sure there compatable the only one i messed up with was the jd so good day

[kingrichard5405]

And by the way if u didt relize they r aggresive fish of course u take the chance of a fight