Question
This is my cichlid
Hello Richard,
I have quite a problem with my fish. To let you know some background info first, I have 1 african cichlid(about 3 inches long), 1 rainbow shark(about 3 or 4 inchees, still a small tike), 1 tiger barb and 1 clown pleco algae eater. They were all in a 10 gallon tank together until I learned that the cichlid is very aggressive to the tiger barb. He nearly ripped all the tiger barbs fins off so I took the tiger barb out and put him in a 5 gallon by itself. I still have the cichlid, rainbow shark and algae eater together in the 10 gallon. Those three seem to get along, but I also learned recently that my cichlid is going to be too large for the 10 gallon tank. My question to you is, I have a 55 gallon fish tank but currently I have 3 mice in it. Would it be okay if I took the mice out, cleaned it and then put the cichlid, shark, tiger barb and algae eater in the 55 gallon together? I know that the barb likes to be in schools of at least 6 so I planned on getting 5 more if I can make the switch to the 55 gallon and if there is enough space for them. But I heard that if you have a rodent in the tank first then you can't use that tank for fish anymore. I would greatly appreciate your advice because I don't know what to do with my fish. I was stupid in making the mistake on not researching anything about any of the fish before I bought them. I just thought that they looked cool so I bought them and I know that wasn't the right thing to do and the fish people didn't say anything to me about it. I don't have the option of bringing them back either because its been quite a while since I bought them. Also one other question...if these fish can go together in the 55 gallon tank, is there any other fish that would be able to go along with them in the tank..considering compatibility and the amount of space. Sorry I wrote you such a big paragraph but hopefully you can help me. I don't want my little fishies to live miserable lives.
P.S I attached a picture of my cichlid so you know what kind it is. I know there are tons of different ones and Im not too sure what kind this one is. I hope you know what kind it is. Thanks!
Brittany
AnswerHi Brittany
I'm not sure about using the 55g for fish after using it as a home for mice. You can't use any type of chemicals to clean it with because the residue from the chemicals will kill the fish. I wouldn't do it, I don't think it's possible to get it clean and sterilized enough to be safe for fish.
However, this really isn't the issue because you are not going to be able to keep the African Cichlid with your current fish. For one, as you have seen, he is much too aggressive. The Tiger Barb could've easily been killed, I'm surprised he wasn't. Second, the Cichlids water chemistry requirements are much different than that of average tropical fish. He may seem fine now, but he won't live a long happy life if he isn't kept in the proper environment.
Most all petstores will take fish in and give you store credit that you can use to purchase more fish. You could exchange the African for a couple of more Tiger Barbs. You won't be able to keep many in the 10 gallon though, especially with the Pleco and the Rainbow Shark, who will both outgrow the 10 gallon. You're eventually going to have to put them in a larger tank, but as I said, I wouldn't use the 55g that has the mice.
There are a couple of really cool Cichlids that are peaceful, and will stay small enough and have the same water requirements as the Tigers. One is a Kribensis Cichlid and the other is a Keyhole Cichlid. If you got a larger tank like a 38 or another 55, you would be able to keep a couple of these with a small school of Tiger Barbs, the Rainbow, and the Pleco.
As for your injured Tiger Barb, I would keep him in the 5 gallon by himself until he heals. You should treat him with an antibiotic like Maracyn. Also add 1tsp of Freshwater Aquarium Salt to the tank to relieve his stress. Aquarium Salt, not table salt.
Hope this helps, good luck!
Richard
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