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What is the minimum tank size that they can be put in, and I mean, at the most minimum, and what are they compatable with?

72 gallon bowfront:Tanganyikan Lake set up
75 gallon: A. Baenschi trio,Cyanotilapia Afra Cobwe(4), copadichromis trewavase, protomelas sp. tangerine tiger(breeding pair)

I can answer neither question, but can just make an observation.

Some of the most impressive freshwater tanks I have ever seen were large tanks, with species only frontosas, they get huge and are stunning in a "society".

im sure! I kind of like how they look!

72 gallon bowfront:Tanganyikan Lake set up
75 gallon: A. Baenschi trio,Cyanotilapia Afra Cobwe(4), copadichromis trewavase, protomelas sp. tangerine tiger(breeding pair)

Im acctually debating on going back to a cichlid tank, but with bigger cichlids, i did the african cichlid type deal.. jewels, labs, zebras, etc etc,, i want to move on to bigger sishies. I only have one problem... The tank is occupied, and my fiancee said no more tanks till we get a house! What the tank is occupied with is Pirhanas. I am at a crossroad. i am super attached to them, but i want to go for more cichlid size, dempseys, GT's, acaras, etc etc... i dont know what to do.

72 gallon bowfront:Tanganyikan Lake set up
75 gallon: A. Baenschi trio,Cyanotilapia Afra Cobwe(4), copadichromis trewavase, protomelas sp. tangerine tiger(breeding pair)

for starters bettachris, sorry to make you feel stupid but those fish are SOUTH AMERICAN. I didnt say i was to combine al of those fish at all! Im looking at options. PLEASE if you dont know your fish, dont answer unless you can help a bit better...

72 gallon bowfront:Tanganyikan Lake set up
75 gallon: A. Baenschi trio,Cyanotilapia Afra Cobwe(4), copadichromis trewavase, protomelas sp. tangerine tiger(breeding pair)

Fronties are awesome Tanya! I no longer keep any due to space and time issues but I have a million pics of them if youre interested in seeing them.

I kept 6 in a 180g tank from the time they were 1 inch. They grew quite quickly in a tank that size and I slowly removed their tank mates (Malawi cichlids)as frontosas were always going to be the focus of the tank. I had syno cats with them and that was it.

I had my fronties for 3 years, before they were rehoused they ranged in size from 7 - 10 inches. Although there were only 6 of them I am glad I had a tank the size I did because the dominant male became quite territorial with the others. No major damage ever done to the other fish but they needed plenty of room to move.

From what I have heard from others frontosa do not do well in groups smaller than 5. People I have spoken to in the past have had problems with them hiding and extreme shyness in smaller groups, with these problems resolving when more fronties were added.

I've lost all my fave links about fronts but i'll try and find them for you to read.

HTH..

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Before you criticize someone walk a mile in their shoes. That way you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

ok that is great! any one else have anything to add?

72 gallon bowfront:Tanganyikan Lake set up
75 gallon: A. Baenschi trio,Cyanotilapia Afra Cobwe(4), copadichromis trewavase, protomelas sp. tangerine tiger(breeding pair)

Frontosa's are from Lake Tanga.....whatever. They are african.

OK. You did Jewels(africa riverine), Labs & Zebras(Malawi). You want bigger cichlids. I'm not familiar with SA's, but I know if breeding might be desired, Fronts(Tangs) WILL generate more $$$. Minimum tank size would be 100g. 125g even better. Try and find a quality breeder and purchase small and grow out. Stunning fish. I would go with Synos as tankmates(Multipunctatus). If cost is a issue, look no further than EBAY. Just be patient and you WILL find a good size tank for a great price at minimal driving distance. Calvus and Cyps(jumbo) are also great tank mates for Fronts if the space is availible. Go with 6 Fronts(minimum). Good luck and keep us posted.

Definetly go with a 100 gallon+ as suggested above. Dont go with the 75 gallon tank mentioned.

If your in a struggle for space right now, you can start out with a small fish, which would be better than starting with large ones that hasnt adjusted to each other.

You can start them off in a small tank and gradually move them up liek what I did (20 gallon -> 50 gallon -> 100 gallon (now). They grow pretty slowly, other than the alpha male.

Females are mature in 2 years and males in 3, which would mean in 3 years you can rake in some money (If you find the right buyer or seller).

Fun thing about them is since they grow slowly and are generally peaceful when you keep them in a group of 6+, you can keep them with other fish. I had mine with a WHOLE lot of different fish, all that worked out (Heres a tiny list: gouramis, catfish, plecos, angelfish, peacocks, leleupi, brichardi, geophagus, and a huge list - even though most arent "reccomended".

If your getting your house soon, I would definetly reccomend you to start with them now. Its best to start as soon as possible if its a definite choice for you since you can start growing them and let them establish their "pecking order" sooner.

When you buy them (usually in the 1 to 2 inch range), they are usually at least 6 months old.

Sorry for going into such depth!

thank you all! I think I am going to start a new thread, as frontosas are a bit out of my range for now.. maybe in a couple of years!!

72 gallon bowfront:Tanganyikan Lake set up
75 gallon: A. Baenschi trio,Cyanotilapia Afra Cobwe(4), copadichromis trewavase, protomelas sp. tangerine tiger(breeding pair)