[CichlidAdmin]

Cookie Cutter Setup for 40-gallons (long)
(48x13x16 in / 122x33x41 cm)
by the CF Moderators


40 gallon aquariums are excellent for beginners. The reason for this is two-fold. Many of the species and combinations suited for this size are forgiving and can tolerate a learning, yet eager caretaker. Secondly, the size is small enough that maintenance is not overwhelming but large enough to ensure considerable stability.

The following combinations are many and varied; therefore, it does not make sense to comment categorically here on substrate or decorations. Please research each setup's specific requirements. Items to consider are diet, substrate, plants, rocks, and caves. A reliable heater, preferably 150W, is always an important consideration.

There are many methods for filtering a 40 gallon aquarium adequately. Some recommended filters are: AquaClear 500, Filstar XP2, Fluval 204, Emperor 400, Eheim Ecco 2233, or H.O.T. Magnum 250. All of these methods would benefit from an airstone.

Angelfish Aquarium

Pterophyllum scalare - 1 pair Rasbora heteromorpha "Harlequin" - 8 Carnegiella strigata "Marbled Hatchet" - 6 Botia macracanthus "Clown Loach" - 2

Tanganyika Mini-Community

Select 1 pair from each group (max of 2 pairs): Altolamprologus calvus or compressiceps Neolamprologus leleupi or cylindricus Julidochromis or Chalinochromis species Telmatochromis vittatus, bifrenatus or brichardi

Tanganyikan Sand-Sifter Setup: Xenotilapia papilio or flavipinnis - 6 Paracyprichromis brieni or nigripinnis - 8 Altolamprologus calvus or compressiceps pair Phyllonemus typus - 4

Altolamprologus calvus or compressiceps pair Neolamprologus buescheri pair Shell dweller pair of choice - 'Lamprologus' (Shellies) brevis, multifasciatus (group), meleagris, ornatipinnis, ocellatus, speciosus, similis (group), Neolamprologus signatus

Victoria & Malawi Combo

Astatotilapia latifasciata - trio Pseudotropheus saulosi - 7 Ancistrus temminckii "Bristlenose Pleco" - 2

Pundamilia nyererei - 5 Labidochromis caeruleus - 5 Ancistrus temminckii "Bristlenose Pleco" - 2

Lake Malawi Aquarium

Pseudotropheus socofoli - 5 Metriaclima estherae - 5 Ancistrus temminckii "Bristlenose Pleco" - 2

Metriaclimasp. "Msobo" - 5 Cynotilapia afra - 5 Ancistrus temminckii "Bristlenose Pleco" - 2

Placidochromis electra - 4 Copadichromis azureus - 4 Synodontis nyassae - 2

Mixed New World Aquarium

Thorichthys callolepis - 4 Aequidens pulcher - 2 Capoeta tetrazona "Tiger barb" - 6 Ancistrus temminckii "Bristlenose Pleco" - 2

Central American Aquarium

Archocentrus centrarchus - 1 pair Hemmigramus caudovittatus "B.A. Tetra" - 6 Ancistrus temminckii "Bristlenose Pleco" - 2

South American Pike Setup

Crenicichla regani - 2 pair Hemigrammus pulcher "Garnet Tetra" - 10-12 Brochis multiradiatus "Hognose Catfish" - 5-7 Ancistrus temminckii "Bristlenose Pleco" - 1

South American Earth Eater Setup

Guinacara geayi - 1 pair Hemmigramus caudovittatus "B.A. Tetra" - 6 Ancistrus temminckii "Bristlenose Pleco" - 2

Gymnogeophagus australis - 2 pair Hyphessobrycon pyrrhanatus "Red-Back Tetra" - 6-8 Ancistrus temminckii "Bristlenose Pleco" - 1

Gymnogeophagus rhabdotus - trio Gymnocorymbus ternetzi "Black Skirt Tetra" - 8-10 Ancistrus temminckii "Bristlenose Pleco" - 2

Gymogeophagus meridionalis - trio Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma "Bleeding Heart Tetra" - 8-10 Chaestostoma milesi "Rubbernose Pleco" - 2

Asian Aquarium

Etroplus maculatus - 6 Telmatherina ladigesi "Celebes Rainbow" - 6-8 Brachygobius sp. "Bumblebee Goby" - 2

West Africa Aquarium

Pelvicachromis taeniatus - 1 pair Nanochromis transvestitus - 1 pair Synodontis nigriventris - 6