How to Create an Amazon Tank: Keeping South American Cichlids like Angelfish and Firemouths in an Aquarium with Community Fish
Tropical fish tanks are easy to keep, and are probably one of the most popular types of tank. Cichlid tanks, on the other hand, require a little more care and knowledge. One of the first rules of keeping any fish tank is to balance fish species carefully, and in most cases, this means that cichlids and community fish do not mix. Cichlids like to dig and may upset planted aquariums and decorations. They are much more aggressive, and tend to chase and bully other species of fish, if they do not eat them. Even a large community fish, like a full-grown gourami, is no match against a cichlid. A single cichlid can almost completely destroy a community tank in 20 minutes. However, there are exceptions to every rule.
In this case, the exception applies to South American cichlids, like Firemouths and Angelfish. While Angelfish are fairly well known, Firemouth cichlids are not quite as common. However, they are one of the most beautiful fish that can be kept in a tank - easily outflanking most other South American or even African cichlids for color and temperament. They are usually grey with distinctive black markings, and are capable of fanning their gills in a brilliant flame of red (hence the name "Firemouth") when threatened. Usually, however, they keep to themselves, and though they may become the "King of the Tank," they may even be sometimes quite shy. They rarely disturb other fish, except over territorial boundaries (This becomes important in terms of tank size and hiding places).
Firemouths and Angelfish may be raised and kept with community fish, if the tank is kept in balance. In fact, many people purchase Angelfish without realizing that Angelfish are South American cichlids and may add elements of aggression to their community tank, especially as they grow. This is why Angelfish are not usually recommended as fish for beginners. To keep Angelfish, or other South American cichlids like Firemouths, it is necessary to establish the proper habitat. If this is done, it is possible, and even beneficial, to include community fish.
South American cichlids are primarily native to the Amazon River basin. They are a distinctly different species than their cousins, the African Cichlids, which are only found in large lakes on the African continent. The main difference is that South American cichlids, like Firemouths, tend to be less aggressive than their African counterparts. This means that it is possible to keep a sort of "Amazon Aquarium" that mixes semi-aggressive South American cichlids like Angelfish or Firemouths with carefully selected community fish.
The first thing that must be considered is space. Cichlids, whether African or South American, are very territorial and the more space they have, the better. However, when mixed with community fish, they should have still more. Angels and Firemouths seem to adjust well to living with community fish (never mix Africans with community fish - you'll have no community fish left!) Firemouths, or Angelfish, however, do well with other fish. Often it is better to have a community tank semi-established before adding them, however. Then they can grow up with community fish around them, and will be less likely to see them as lunch. When they are young, both Angelfish and Firemouths are fairly small, and it is tempting to buy more than one of them.
Although they can be raised together, do not buy more than you can house when they are full grown. Usually, you can have about 20-23 inches of fish (from head to tail full grown) in a tank with the surface area of a usual 10 gallon tank. This sounds like a lot, but it would realistically mean a tank with one small bottom feeder, 3 medium fish like danios, 5 small fish like cardinal tetras, and a Firemouth or angelfish. This tank would not be stretching its oxygen limit, but would have room for the angelfish/Firemouth to grow and would be full enough to look dynamic and beautiful. As a general rule, a ten gallon tank will only house one full-grown cichlid without conflict.
Firemouths and Angelfish are among the least aggressive of the cichlid family, but full-grown they have plenty of attitude. This makes them very interesting to keep, but can also cause conflict. Angels will learn to see you coming across a room and pace the glass to make sure you see them (they are voracious eaters), but they are also very territorial and will fight/kill other cichlids who cannot get out of their territory because the tank is too small. This is probably doubly true for Firemouths, who tend to be less visible and overtly aggressive in a community tank, but who can do more serious damage if they decide to.
Therefore, when planning a South American tank, the more room the cichlid(s) have, the better. Territorial conflict is likely to be less tense if all parties involved have a place to retreat to when needed, as they would have in nature. This holds true for any size tank. Using community fish that are native to South America (tetras and danios, for example) can also help approximate their natural environment, and add color and life.
The "Amazon Tank" effect can be furthered by using plants, whether real or artificial, that are native to the Amazon River basin. One example of this is the Amazon Sword plant. If keeping Angelfish, consider using a plant with tall vertical leaves, or bamboo in a hexagonal or more upright-style tank. (Usually, the taller the tank the less oxygen reaches the fish due to less surface area, but Angelfish are middle-swimmers and like to hide in reeds, hence their vertical striping for camouflage). If keeping a Firemouth, have a cave or castle they can hide in or behind. A small clay pot works well, or any professionally made stone arrangement. (Be careful about using stone - don't just put in whatever you find lying around outside. Some types of stone, like limestone, will dissolve slowly and can drastically affect pH levels). Firemouths also like to "clean the floor" of wherever they decide to live, so be prepared for a little digging. They usually are not destructive, however, just particular and meticulous. Firemouths require sinking food pellets, and most pet stores carry cichlid food. Occasional variety, like shrimp pellets, is also good.
Using an under gravel filter is recommended because it recreates the chemical process that would naturally occur in a riverbed, but larger tanks should use a power filter as well, simply because of the volume of water being circulated. Black water extract (containing naturally occurring compounds like peat moss) can also be added to make the environment as close as possible to that of a real riverbed. Some people also add driftwood, but make sure to buy it from an approved source, since it may otherwise carry disease or break down and change the dynamics of your tank.
When well cared for, South American cichlids like the Firemouth are beautiful and interesting to keep in the home. They take a little more planning and adjustment, but when raised and properly balanced with community fish, they can add irresistible flair and personality to a tropical fish tank. They are perfect for those wanting a bit of a challenge but a tank that is still easily maintained and peaceful. Firemouths are beautiful and intriguing to watch, and when a tank is set up to create a natural habitat for them, it is more than a community tank, a tropical fish tank, a hobby, or even a conversation piece. It is a chance to have a bit of the Amazon River come to life in vivid color.
