Keeping Convict Cichlid

[PeteAce]

Hi, I'm new to convict cichlid and I just got some babies and a new tank. I'm done setting up the tank but before I put them into it I would like to know the ideal temperature. Based on my research, they're quite hardy and can tolerate wide range. But is there really an optimal temperature? I've seen 68-73C, and 78-80C recommended... but what is the best temp from 68-80? Isn't 68-73C too cold?

So far I've put some water conditioner and stabilizer in the tank but I welcome any other suggestions.

Thanks so much

[K0oKiE]

I think with convicts you pretty much just need water... lol they would probably live in a toilet if they had to.

I kept my tank at 78 and they thrived, and spawned constantly.

[cowis]

u just got like 50 babies and mom and dad. they just bred agian so more babies on the way. thesse things are tuff as nails and dont care to much about temp. my tanks at 80 and they seem just fine.

[Fishkeeper]

Just checked my tank, it's at 74 with a mom and dad and babies....they seem happy, had the parents in a bucket one night with out a heater as their tank wasn't set up and they survived....they are tough....I like the toilet idea...I wonder if I put some in the tank at the back of the toilet if they survived with a screen on the outlet valve so with every flush they got a partial water change...lol....don't worry I wouldn't do that to my fish...lol...just a funny idea...a way to save water though....

[Acipenser]

Convicts can live and breed on a wet sponge .

[PeteAce]

lol thanks everyone. Then I probably can be lazy on the water change, so just add water and clean filter?

[Rayne]

Its always a good idea to stick to a good water change routine... I wouldn't skip it. Do a 20-50% change once a week and clean your filter as necessary and you'll have some happy, healthy fish.

[PeteAce]

Now I'm looking into adding plants and algae eating fish into the tank. Some recommended Amazonian swords and Java ferns to go with the convict, but I'd like to ask from your experience, is it better off with no live plants at all?

Also will any type of algae eating fish survive with a tank full of convicts? What do you recommend? I have SAE and BN Plecos in mind.

[Acipenser]

Convicts are diggers so any plants are likley to be destroyed.

[donjuan_corn]

Convicts are diggers so any plants are likley to be destroyed.

I don't concur, i had like 30 convicts at one time and they didn't bother my plants, they moved rocks around but if you plant the plants deep they will be fine.