SA or CA cichlid questions

[Keri]

We are thinking of doing up a new tank (tall half cylinder approx 60g) and I'd like some cichlids, probably not Africans for this tank though. Does anyone have suggestions for some good (lifelong) tankmates? I like personality!
I would *really* love a red severum but I think they probably get too big?

[Momobobo]

I would think a 60 gallon would be sufficient for Sevrums...as for personality from what I've seen mostly Midas and Oscars as suggestions for wet pets. I find alot of fish very personable if you have raised them from fryhood and most large cichlids live a long lifespan and are quite intelligent. I vouch for Geophagus

[AWW]

I have personally kept most sa cichlids, and severums are the best! they would be totally fine in a 60 gallon, they dont swim quickly so they dont need much space. True parrots are nice too, only once full grown though.

[SinisterKisses]

Keep in mind, a half-cylinder 60gal is WAY different than a standard rectangular-shaped tank. Cichlids need the length of a tank more than anything, and that's pretty much eliminated in a cylindrical tank. I'd say a pair of angels maybe, but a severum would be too big for the tank to live comfortably for life.

[Keri]

The dimensions are 34" from side to side and 30" top to bottom, 18" at it's widest point front to back if that helps. Maybe too small for severums, I was thinking of maybe just one, but I wouldn't want it to be unhappy.

[Keri]

Angels are beautiful but I don't want to end up with a pair that drives everybody else out of the tank. Still a possibility though, especially the altums.

True parrots are gorgeous, but probably too big - maybe the next big tank though!

[CRS Fan]

Why not try Rainbow Cichlids (Herotilapia multispinosa)? I know Brisch had a pair a while back. Very pretty and a more mild mannered CA Cichlid. JMHO.

Best regards,

Stuart

[BelieveInBlue]

I'd say your best option would be some kind of a dwarf cichlid (rams, apistos, dwarf acaras). A few keyholes would also work, but anything that gets bigger than about 6inches is out of the question.

[SinisterKisses]

Sorry, personally I consider it much too small for even a solo severum. They can get quite big when full grown, and need their space. It's a fun tank though. Personally, I'd be considering smaller cichlids - rainbows are an excellent suggestion!

[Ladayen]

Being 34 inches at it's widest I would look at this more as a 40g tank when looking at stocking options. Keeping in mind with it's height bottom dwelling fish that need oxygen might not do so well.