suggestion for a 2ft tank

[papelboyl1]

I have a 24in x 12in x 12in tank around 50+liters I think.

I was thinking of a shrimp tank (mainly native aussie shrimps just to be different). But I was the shop yesterday and begins to wonder if I should set it up as a african cichlid tank (will be putting in the smaller species).

1. if shrimp tank, it'll be setup with some rocks/moss. not intent on breeding. probably

2. if cichlid, coral sand + lots of rocks.

I just want a low maintenance tank really. I already got a "high tech" 4ft tank.

suggestions are most welcome. thank you.

[ciaossu]

Hi, if you're not intending to breed shrimp. i think cichlid would be a better choice as a tank with only few shrimps will be kind of boring to watch. cichlid will provide better "entertainment" haha . but if you choose cichlid i think the maintenace will be higher as compare to shrimp tank.

so low maintenance = shrimp

middle maintenance = cichlid

just my opinion. =)

[papelboyl1]

I'm planning to feed the "leftover" baby shrimp to the fishes in the 4ft tank. but you're right, it doesn't seemed very entertaining.

[papelboyl1]

any suggestion for what cichlid species to put in the tank? thank you

[ciaossu]

Hi, hmm apisto? shellies? kribensis? personally i would go for apistogramma for their colours and behaviour (especially during breeding time), but for a 2 feet tank it's recommended to keep a pair or trio. shellies is interesting too. you might want to google them abit for more information.

[papelboyl1]

Was hoping for African species

[stormhawk]

Shellies aka shelldwellers from the Rift Lakes and the Krib itself are African. For a tank that size, ciaossu gave you a good suggestion if you wanted to keep just African cichlids.

It's a choice between West African dwarf cichlids like the Pelvicachromis species and the shelldwellers like Neolamprologus brevis. Both sets of African cichlids are interesting to watch. This forum might get you off on the right path, where Shellies are concerned:

http://www.shelldwellers.com/

[pufferlover]

Frontosa with few cory in a sandy with coral set up would be great if your going for entertainment.

[papelboyl1]

just had a look and fronts seems to grow up to 12in long? o.O

[papelboyl1]

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/c_frontosa.php

[stormhawk]

C. frontosa should not be kept in a 2ft tank. You are better off with shelldwellers because the frontosa will require a much bigger and deeper tank.

[pufferlover]

C. frontosa should not be kept in a 2ft tank. You are better off with shelldwellers because the frontosa will require a much bigger and deeper tank.

Yes and no most captive breed front seldom reach more than 10 incher and deeper tank is not a issue as even a 5 ft is not even deep enough for them but its always better to upgrade tank lol.

[bryan]

pufferlover, you might as well suggest an Arowana or a redtail catfish.

[pufferlover]

pufferlover, you might as well suggest an Arowana or a redtail catfish.

Can quite constructive advice your giving might as well go for bigger nile perch .

[bryan]

Why not? If your theory works, I can go out and buy a baby 2inch RTC and keep it for long term since as you say,it'll max out at 10inch.

[stormhawk]

I think I'll end the discussion here.