Cichlids ?

Question

Is there any kind of cichlids that I can keep in a 29 gal tank?

Answer 1

A 29g tank is not really suited to cichlids because it is tall and they are bottom dwelling fish that select an area on the substrate and defend it as their "territory" to spawn in.  The 29, being tall, would not be used in the upper third to half.

This said, you could keep any number of the smaller dwarf varieties.  Julidochromis comes to mind as do the neolamprologus species.  Some of the shell dwellers would do quite well in a 29.  However they would not use the upper half of the tank.  

You might consider getting some fish to share the tank with the cichlids that just swim in the upper half of the tank such as zebra danios.  They are a pretty fish that are constantly moving and do not pose a threat to the cichlids.  The cichlids will see them swimming around and will spend more time in the open.  Adding other fish is common with some cichlids that are very shy.  The additional fish are called "dither" fish.

Answer 2

Cichlids won't live long if they are in a tank smaller than 60-70gallons even if there is only one of him/her. I disagree with the convicts because not only they get big, they also breed like no other fish, within 3 months you will have 1000 of them in your tank. If you have anymore questions email  me [e-mail]

Answer 3

a pair of breeding convict cichlids.

Answer 4

I love Dwarf New World Cichlids, they are beautiful, smart (like most Cichlids) small (you can have a few in your 29 gallon with some other small fishes) and they are quite peaceful too!  You can even have them with a community of fish, i.e. non fin nipping tetras also love the same type of water.  These Dwarf Cichlids love neutral to softer water, I just mix RO water from a bottle with my regular tap water to achieve this PH.   I have a German Ram, three Apisto's and a dwarf Geophagus in a planted tank with Cardinals!

Good luck!!

Answer 5

malawi chiclid,

Answer 6

German blue rams stay pretty small and you could keep a few(male, 2 female) in a tank together that size

Answer 7

I agree that convicts are to big for a 30 galllon tank. but there are so many types of cichlids out there that will fit into that size tank.  Some peacock cichlids only get 3 to 4 inches so you could put in 1 male and 2 females. I have a tank set up now with 3 aulonacara baenschi in there for a year now. both females have produced 40 fry for me so far.  These fish are awesome the male is bright yellow with a blue face. good luck just look them up on line and you will find something you like