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i have a 18x12x12 inch tank. i would like to stock some kind of cichlid!!!

i've picked three which i like, i would like to know some information from your experience with these fish?
i would also like to know which most suitable for my tank if any?
how to keep them pairs? more females then males?
planted? rocks? wood?
Food?

the three are:
panda dwarf nijssens
blue ram
agassiss dwarf cichlid

cheers for any help??


www.blooming-brilliant.co.uk

Traditionally these guys have been kept in pairs, but these days more and more people are leaning toward the harem system. Ideally each female has a cave, the opening of which allows her in but not the male, so she can escape him. All three greatly prefer soft, acidic water. Some peat in the filter will accomplish this with no work on your part, and the tannin color that results makes the whole thing look more natural and amazonian, IMO - but you can filter the color out with carbon if you hate it. The Pandas are both harder to find and a lot more sensitive than the other two, but have the benefit of a distinctive, colorful female that's not to be missed. The Blue Rams, while somewhat sensitive, are the best bet in terms of ease of care, especially since there's much less domestic trouble among the Rams than the Apistos.
You might also look into other Apisto species that are very hardy and more likely to be available near you, like the lovely Caockatoo Dwarf (A. cacatuoides), which comes in a few color forms.

-Molly
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