Convict/Dempsey - Compatible bottom feeder?

grebloh · 06-19-2011, 02:09 PM

So at some point in the next week I'm going to be getting a 55gal that's going to come with a 8in Jack Dempsey and a 4in Convict. I've never owned cichlids before, so I'm wondering what kind of bottom feeder, algae eater and other fish would be compatible in the tank.

Thanks!

Cichlids101 · 06-19-2011, 05:07 PM

Any Pleco that grows to 6"-12" would be fine. I wouldn't go over 12" though or it would start being a tight fit in a 55gal. You could also have something like a Spotted Doras, Striped Raphael, Synodontis Angelicus or maybe a group of Pictus.

Some people I know put Rainbowfish or Congo Tetras with JD's but there is some risk that one will get eaten every now & again. Something a bit larger like Checker Barbs would probably do ok though.

Sasquatch · 06-20-2011, 06:22 AM

I keep rubber lipped plecos with my cichlids. I havent had a problem yet. I posted pics the other day that show all my fish.

Frank1971 · 06-25-2011, 04:25 PM

If you can find some nice size loaches, that could work. I currently use YoYo loaches in both my Malawi tank and my South American Cichlid tank. Granted, my JD and my convicts arnt very big, maybe 2-3 inches, about the same size as the loaches I use. Clown loaches could work, but they get pretty big, so your tank may run out of room. But I find that loaches will hold their territory very well against Cichlids, I've had no deaths, and their tales and fins are in tact.

TankMason · 06-25-2011, 07:05 PM

which of the loaches can you get that will school? i'm really keen to the idea of schooling fish but love cichlids and have been having a time trying to fill both needs. btw i also have a JD but he is only like 1 1/2 inches maybe two but i was having the same problem with trying to find a bottom feeder that wouldnt become a victim to the jack

ps. sorry for intruding on the thread

06-19-2011, 02:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
grebloh grebloh's Photo Gallery Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 25 Name: Ben Location: Wisconsin Rapids, WI Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 1 Times Said "Thanks" 2 Times Was Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Convict/Dempsey - Compatible bottom feeder? So at some point in the next week I'm going to be getting a 55gal that's going to come with a 8in Jack Dempsey and a 4in Convict. I've never owned cichlids before, so I'm wondering what kind of bottom feeder, algae eater and other fish would be compatible in the tank. Thanks! __________________ 20gal FW Tank: 1 Blue Gourami 1 Dwarf Gourami 1 calico fantail 1 standard goldfish 1 plecostomus 1 Indian Suncat 2 koi 1 Mystery Snail 2 fathead minnows Running a Tetra Whisper waterfall filter with an 8" bubble stone

06-19-2011, 05:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
Cichlids101 Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 13 Location: Australia Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 0 Times Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Convict/Dempsey - Compatible bottom feeder? Any Pleco that grows to 6"-12" would be fine. I wouldn't go over 12" though or it would start being a tight fit in a 55gal. You could also have something like a Spotted Doras, Striped Raphael, Synodontis Angelicus or maybe a group of Pictus. Some people I know put Rainbowfish or Congo Tetras with JD's but there is some risk that one will get eaten every now & again. Something a bit larger like Checker Barbs would probably do ok though. __________________ Hello, my name is Daniel & I'm an aquariaholic

06-20-2011, 06:22 AM	#3 (permalink)
Sasquatch (-: Sasquatch's Photo Gallery Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 57 Name: Sasquatch My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 49 Times Said "Thanks" 25 Times Was Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Convict/Dempsey - Compatible bottom feeder? I keep rubber lipped plecos with my cichlids. I havent had a problem yet. I posted pics the other day that show all my fish. __________________ Every man is guilty of all the good he didn't do.

06-25-2011, 04:25 PM	#4 (permalink)
Frank1971 Frank1971 Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 131 Name: Frank1971 Location: Utah Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 5 Times Said "Thanks" 189 Times Was Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Convict/Dempsey - Compatible bottom feeder? If you can find some nice size loaches, that could work. I currently use YoYo loaches in both my Malawi tank and my South American Cichlid tank. Granted, my JD and my convicts arnt very big, maybe 2-3 inches, about the same size as the loaches I use. Clown loaches could work, but they get pretty big, so your tank may run out of room. But I find that loaches will hold their territory very well against Cichlids, I've had no deaths, and their tales and fins are in tact. __________________ 55 Gallon Marine FOWLR Tank ( Yellow Tang, Flame Back Angel, Tomatoe Clown, Diamond Goby, 6 Line Wrasse, 4 Stripe Damsel, Blue Damsel, Kupang Damsel, Yellow Damsel and 3 Blue/Green Chromis)

06-25-2011, 07:05 PM	#5 (permalink)
TankMason Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 2 Location: Panama City Beach Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 0 Times Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Convict/Dempsey - Compatible bottom feeder? which of the loaches can you get that will school? i'm really keen to the idea of schooling fish but love cichlids and have been having a time trying to fill both needs. btw i also have a JD but he is only like 1 1/2 inches maybe two but i was having the same problem with trying to find a bottom feeder that wouldnt become a victim to the jack ps. sorry for intruding on the thread __________________ Mason By Day, Aqua Enthusiast By Night

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