Still trying to decide what to do with my 75 gallon tank: peacocks or Tangs? Just when I think I've got it figured out, I get contradictory information. Last week a fish store owner, who shall go unnamed, told me that if I go the peacock route, I should get about 20 fish. I said, well that means massive and frequent water changes, and he said no, one or two WC's a month would be fine. But won't that result in sky-high nitrates? Which would be bad in all sorts of ways, including the fish getting more aggressive. I remarked that I've heard that hybrids like OBs are more aggressive, and he said, no, it's the opposite. Can someone help me sort this out?
Peacocks and WC's...Help!
- Thread starter JerryJ
- Start date
dogofwar
CCA Members
20 in a 75g is about right. Even more could work as well. More African cichlids tends to spread the aggression. Either way, you'll want to do lots of water changes - 75-80% per week isn't too much. Get a Python or similar and it's not difficult or time consuming.
OB Peacocks, Firefish, and other hybrid peacocks can be more aggressive than wild-type ones, often because they're part peacock and part mbuna (and mbuna can be very aggressive). Intentional crowding as well as adding a wave maker or other strong circulation can cut down on aggression.
If you like lots of action and color, go with peacocks. If you like calm and interesting-shaped fish, go with Tangs. You can't lose.
Thanks, you've confirmed what I thought was the case (not necessarily what I want to hear). That aquarium store guy has been in business for years and always has peacocks in stock, but I thought his advice sounded flaky.
It was wondering whether getting just 6 to 8 fish could work. This way I don't need the massive water changes and don't need to lie to my wife about how much money I spent on fish. Peacocks are so big and active, the tank could still look great with a smaller number. People say aggression is often directed at fish that look similar to the aggressor, and with fewer individuals it would be easier to avoid duplicating colors or species. I understand the idea of diffusing aggression, but has anyone tried doing it this way? I'm sure there's always a "boss" fish, but maybe if there are fewer, there's less chance that the boss will be homicidal. Then maybe I could just rehome any fish that's a real jerk, and wind up with a half dozen relatively mellow individuals. Is this a possibility?
It was wondering whether getting just 6 to 8 fish could work. This way I don't need the massive water changes and don't need to lie to my wife about how much money I spent on fish. Peacocks are so big and active, the tank could still look great with a smaller number. People say aggression is often directed at fish that look similar to the aggressor, and with fewer individuals it would be easier to avoid duplicating colors or species. I understand the idea of diffusing aggression, but has anyone tried doing it this way? I'm sure there's always a "boss" fish, but maybe if there are fewer, there's less chance that the boss will be homicidal. Then maybe I could just rehome any fish that's a real jerk, and wind up with a half dozen relatively mellow individuals. Is this a possibility?
dogofwar
CCA Members
More is better with African cichlids. Much higher chance of 6-8 having aggression. Once you get involved in club stuff, the cost of fish will be way lower than from LFS.