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Hi , I am new and have really enjoyed browsing this forum over the past couple of days. We have a 29 gallon that houses tiger barbs , 2 giant danios ( that are not at all giant yet) and a small pleco. We just got a 55 gallon that is not set up yet . My husband really wants Cichlids in the 55 gallon. How many Cichlids can go? What if we move the Danios and Tiger barbs into the 55 gallon also?

It depends on the cichlids: are there any that interest you in particular?

It's my husband. He asked me to look info on the the Oscar and the Angel. I am also open to any suggestions.

Last edited by SiameseCat at 04-Feb-2005 16:15

Oscars are nice, but a 55 gallon would be pushing it a bit to keep one. Most people recommend at least a 75 gallon. You could definitely keep angels in a 55 gallon aquarium, but I don't think they'd be a good mix with the tiger barbs. The tiger barbs are notorious for being fin nippers and angels are too tempting.

I'd recommend adding a about 5 more giant danios and using them to cycle the tank. As far as cichlids go if your new to cichlid keeping I'd think you would probably be best off to start with something that is relatively easy like electric yellows, or maybe even blue,red or yellow peacocks.They only get to be about 6 inches long,semi aggressive and should do well in a 55 gallon tank.Also considering that they are semi aggressive you may even possibly be able to keep the giant danios in the tank with them so you can have fish swimming in the upper part of your tank.Good Luck thou in whatever you decide to do.

I agree with Cichlid Keeper. Oscars are definitely out as they need a much larger tank and are not comparable with Angels. My in-laws have had them in with Tiger Barbs and are having no problems. Until the Angels started to breed, them it was them after anything that came near them.

Hi SiameseCat,

I'm sorry, but I don't have any answers with regards to your question... all the best though.

But welcome to FP (Fish Profiles), we have many members here (both premium and non-premium) that will be more than happy to try and help you out with any questions you may have

Bala Shark

You could do the 55 gallon with convicts, in hopes that you will get a breeding pair, as they are like rabbits.. so to speak! I would make a list of cichlids that you like, from pictures or descriptions, then research them to see what is compatable, and keep asking questions on fish profiles here. Remember, no questions are the bad questions!

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

how bout keyholes, i have 4 of them in a tank wif tiger barbs, and they seem 2 b just fine


smilingpiranha

if you didnt want to go with the angels you could go to some cichlids that are a bit biger with a bit more personality... i would recomend for the begginer:
blue acara
red forest jewel
port acara
orange chromide
many of the geophagus genus would be suitable
chocolate cichlid
fire mouth
aureum cichlid
these are all mid sized americans they get aggressive but not overly. you could probly put 4-5 of those mentioned above. but remember only one of the same fish unless you are trying to get a pair. i also dont think it is best for begginers to get more than one of the same fish as if they dont pair up the weaker of the 2 will be picked on and usually die or have to be relocated.
i advise you to stay away form the following familys
viejas
paratheraps
nandopsis
some cichlasomas
amphilophus
Parachromis
Paraneetroplus