Help, Cichlid 30 gallon community tank w/ Angelfish

Cweikel

AC Members
Feb 24, 2020
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Lorton Virginia
Real Name
Carrie
I have a 30 gallon tank with 6 angelfish and 6 various cichlids, 1 pleco., 1 rainbow shark. So far no signs of aggression like I have been reading about. When I bought them I wasn't told that they would be aggressive to the angelfish when I asked. They're were sold as african electric blue or African assorted at a petsmart. I got all of them when very small and are still under 2 inches. My Angelfish has grown significantly since (about 2-3 inches+ in size) and obviously need to start looking at a much bigger tank and way sooner than expected.
Anyway. Is it possible that I just have gotten lucky ( crossing my fingers)or my African cichlids are just juvenile still and the peaceful tank will change?
They have co existed for 4 months now. Lots of plants rocks and driftwood. I really don't want to see the angelfish be harmed due to misinformation and or false sense of they are doing just fine.
 
Welcome to the site.

Your stock mix will almost certainly end badly as time goes on and the amount of fish you have in this 30gal is too many.

African cichlids are usually kept by themselves. Angels are South American.

I'd keep a single angel and some smaller non cichlid types or keep nothing but the Africans, but really even those should have a 40gal breeder or 55 as a minimum.
 
Welcome to the site.

Your stock mix will almost certainly end badly as time goes on and the amount of fish you have in this 30gal is too many.

African cichlids are usually kept by themselves. Angels are South American.

I'd keep a single angel and some smaller non cichlid types or keep nothing but the Africans, but really even those should have a 40gal breeder or 55 as a minimum.

Thank you for your response. I had hoped to have at least 6 months to purchase a 65 gallon corner tank when bought the Angelfish. Discovered that they grow quicker than I thought. They were very small when I got them. Looks like I am up to 2 thanks. Which is fine. Iam guessing the cichlidswillbe fine in the 30 gallon for a few monthsuntilI get a second large tank?. This is my tank right now.

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I only see the one Malawi cichlid in the right middle side of the tank and unfortunately I only recommend a standard 55G or 75G tank for most Malawi cichlids. They will definitely nip at the fins of your angels so I suggest returning them to the store if possible.

Corner shaped tanks are a bit more difficult to stock appropriately so you may want to rethink your plans.

What is your ideal tank plans for fish? If your plan is to keep the angels and choose more appropriate tank mates, I'm sure members will give you realistic stocking options.
 
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I only see the one Malawi cichlid in the right middle side of the tank and unfortunately I only recommend a standard 55G or 75G tank for most Malawi cichlids. They will definitely nip at the fins of your angels so I suggest returning them to the store if possible.

Corner shaped tanks are a bit more difficult to stock appropriately so you may want to rethink your plans.

What is your ideal tank plans for fish? If your plan is to keep the angels and choose more appropriate tank mates, I'm sure members will give you realistic stocking options.

Didn't realize corner tanks were harder. But, I enjoy my fish. A little extra work and or extra water changes wouldn't bother me. Watching fish bring peace to my busy day.
My plans are to currently put two corner 65 gallon tanks next to each other and have the angelfish in one and put the cichlids in the other. A neighbor said they will take my angelfish if I can't get 2 tanks as quickly as needled. The cichlids are hiding in the plants and wood.. They are all babies, Under 2 inches. That's why I was wondering how long I have because you don't see my cichlids often right now due to them hiding ? here are a few pictures of the babies just fed them so they are out. ..It's not all of them but, you can see they are quite small.

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Didn't realize corner tanks were harder. But, I enjoy my fish. A little extra work and or extra water changes wouldn't bother me. Watching fish bring peace to my busy day.
My plans are to currently put two corner 65 gallon tanks next to each other and have the angelfish in one and put the cichlids in the other. A neighbor said they will take my angelfish if I can't get 2 tanks as quickly as needled. The cichlids are hiding in the plants and wood.. They are all babies, Under 2 inches. That's why I was wondering how long I have because you don't see my cichlids often right now due to them hiding ? here are a few pictures of the babies just fed them so they are out. ..It's not all of them but, you can see they are quite small.

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Well, nvm....angelfish are going to my neighbors house today. The peacock cichlid was nipping at a Angelfish's tail. So, guess it's a single 65 - 100 gallon tank with cichlids. Odd my Malawi is passive and the peacock has the attitude. Fun watching the different attitude each fish takes as they grow. ? I am a bit sad that I didn't research the cohabiting habits of the fish I bought. But, thankfully it didn't end in a horrible way. Angelfish will be in a new home and alive. ?
 
Can you post a better pic of the black fish with white spots in the 3rd pic?

The yellow and black striped fish is Melanochromis auratus and appears to be male at this time.

The fish in the upper right side of 3rd pic appears to be a Kribensis?
 
Can you post a better pic of the black fish with white spots in the 3rd pic?

The yellow and black striped fish is Melanochromis auratus and appears to be male at this time.

The fish in the upper right side of 3rd pic appears to be a Kribensis?

Here he/she is. This is one of my favorites ? I have a baby powder blue too that hides because he is so tiny yet. That one has a little black edging on the fins.

20200229_101714.jpg
 
Thanks for the additional pic! Is the mouth turned down more than the other cichlids, if so it may be a Tropheus duboisi juvenile which is from Lake Tanganyika.
 
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