Cichlid Questions...

7itanium

7itanium

AC Members
Jan 31, 2009
1,794
0
0
38
Spokane, WA
So I have my 55g cycling at the moment (doing everything 100% right this time :-)

anyway.. I think im gonna do a cichlid tank with it-- lightly planted (I know Cichlids like to dig.. but im gonna give it a shot)

I would like to breed them possibly but most likely I just think they are awesome.

My main questions are... what are the best type of cichlids to get for this size tank, how many can I have, and how difficult are they to care for?

Are they difficult to breed?
How large to they get?
can I have any tank mates?


Thanks guys!
 
Bump
 
What sort of cichlids do you like? Are you open to any suggestions or were you thinking africans or sa/ca cichlids?
 
Yes, you'll have to choose between the different groups. There are representatives from just about every locale that will work in a 55.
You could keep a pair of numerous New Worlds, including many eartheater sp ( Geophagus, should have sand ), Mikrogeophagus sp, Appistogramma sp, Acaras... many more...
You could do a dedicated Malawi Mbuna or Aulonocara sp tank. Or a dedicated Victorian tank.
You could do the same with Tanganyikans.
I'd suggest doing some reserach here: http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/index.php

Get an idea of the type of tank you want to do ( looking through our picture archives may help as well ), and we'll be able to help out a lot more.
 
7itanium said:
So I have my 55g cycling at the moment (doing everything 100% right this time :-)

anyway.. I think im gonna do a cichlid tank with it-- lightly planted (I know Cichlids like to dig.. but im gonna give it a shot)

I would like to breed them possibly but most likely I just think they are awesome.

My main questions are... what are the best type of cichlids to get for this size tank, how many can I have, and how difficult are they to care for?

Are they difficult to breed?
How large to they get?
can I have any tank mates?


Thanks guys!
Click to expand...

If you're looking for cichlids that won't dig up or eat your plants, there are a lot of smaller South American species that would do well in your tank. Apistogramma species come to mind, as do blue rams or Bolivian rams. Out of those, IMO the Bolivian rams are going to be the most "forgiving" in terms of water perameters. If you are relatively new to the hobby you may want to give them a try over the more delicate blue rams or apistogramma (not saying you won't be able to keep these, but consider what your comfort level is with your experience in the hobby). Keyhole cichlids are a bit larger and more full-bodied than the dwarf cichlids I just mentioned, but are very passive IME and won't bother your plants or other fish. You can expect them to grow between 4-4.5 inches or so at adult size. I've heard similar things about laetacara curviceps but I don't have any personal experience keeping them so I can't really advise. Do you have any interest in angelfish? They are cichlids as well.

I agree with the recommendation to check out cichlid-forum.com. They have a TON of species profiles that might interest you, as well as sample stock lists for tanks of various sizes.
 
There are over 3200 different cichlids known. Each variation will have unique characteristics, water requirements, and substrate demands. There are over 200 found commonly in the aquarium hobby and when someone says cichlid the choices are numerous. Keyhole, shellies, and rams are 3 of the smaller versions that come to mind. Convicts are very common and due to their never-ending breeding habits their fry are hard to get rid of due to saturation. There are many "peaceful" to those that will take off a finger. Just type in "cichlid" into the Google search bar and select "Images". When you see a pattern or fish that catches your fancy, read up on it with some good research. Always use more than one site for information and be sure to ask here as not all web sites have the latest information. Even if we don't, we might be able to point you to the best source.
 
Thanks for the advice guys...

No im not really that into the angelfish-- they are beautiful but just not my style right now... I saw some yellow labs that I really liked.. I also like convicts

I was thinking more south american though because I have seen some really nice SA tanks
 
African Mbuna such as Labs will often destroy any plants you may want to keep. If you want African look into Tanganyikans. The trouble I see with Tangs is that they really do best in a community with other Tanganyikans. The choices are limited but there ae some spectacular fish in this group.

Convicts are also hard on plants and tank-mates.

Rams would be nice, and they offer a wide range of tankmates suitable for a 55. There are numerous non-cichlid species that can be kept with them.

What are your water parameters out of the tap? That should be a starting point for you. Is your water hard or soft? If it's hard, you can keep Africans without modifying your water chemistry. If it is soft, look into South Americans. Otherwise, you may not experience the success you'd like breeding.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom