Just Starting, ?s about setup

[Fshkpng<myhobby]

I have currently a 29 gallon setup, planning on keeping cichlids of different variety. Right now I am planning on having a breeding pair of cichlids (albino+reg), one firemouth, one gold severum and a few dither fish such as black neons. Is this feasible for a 29gallon?

[BSwan27]

What kind of fish are the breeding pair, most are territorial but it all depends on what kind.

[SGypsyMermaid]

my feeling is that if you're going to keep a breeding pair of cichlids(kribs, right?) in that tank, then you shouldn't add any other cichlids. the severum is going to get about twice the size of the others and they can turn mean.

[Fshkpng<myhobby]

Sorry about just saying cichlids...I meant a breeding pair of convicts, I realize the severum will get large...I'm planning on switching it to another tank once that time comes. I want to enjoy the nature of convict breeding habits but at the same time am looking for tankmates which could possible survive the aggression.....any suggestions?

Possibly I could just go with two females/males and avoid breeding agression, therefore which other cichlids would be possible to keep with them? Are severums, firemouth and jewel cichlids all compatable with convicts?

Sorry for so many ?, just a newbie @ this

[BSwan27]

Both Firemouths and Severum are considered semi-aggressive, especially when compared to convicts. I have no exp. with jewels though. Convicts will likely pair up when it comes time to breed and are not all that picky concerning mates. A severum will grow the size of a dinner plate anyway, so it would not go in your tank. There's not much I would recommend putting in a 29g with convicts. Most south american cichlids will grow to large sizes.

[Fshkpng<myhobby]

Hmm..Severums are really good looking fish, dissapointed I might not be able to keep them now...would you suggest a convict and firemouth community or strictly convict breeding tank with dither fish? I was looking forward to adding a fish that could pick off a few fry before I traded them in at the LFS.

by the way 'tanks' for the help so far

[jonah]

You might want to make sure the lfs will take convict fry before you breed them. They're practically worthless at most stores. If you do keep cons, I wouldn't keep any other cichlids in the tank. I'd probably keep some fast moving, cheap dithers like zebra danios with them.

[SGypsyMermaid]

jewel cichlids are major roughnecks!

[Fshkpng<myhobby]

LFS said they would take fry...for nothing in return though. Is it possible to keep same sex convicts with firemouths and or blood parrots?