Setup

carttman

carttman

AC Members
Feb 27, 2003
299
1
0
45
Louisiana
Visit site
I am new to the tropical fish hobby and I have a 30 gallon tank. I am very interested in cichlids. My setup is: I have some of artificial driftwood, a couple of plastic plants, natural color gravel with a few two inch stones in the corner. There are some areas in the tank where the driftwood and plants are that form hiding spots. I have been doing a lot of research and noticed that a a lot of cichlids need rocks in the aquarium. Will my setup be suitable for cichlids?
 
It is right now, but we can work to make it better if you let us. (No offense intended; we just like to meddle.) What sort of Cichlids are you inending to keep?
 
well do you want to keep a few or just 1?
 
My opinion --

In an african 30 gal, you could keep 3 or 4 adult fish of any of the following:

Peacocks (aulonacara)
Labidochromis (such as Electric Yellow)
Julidochromis
Altolamprologus Calvus or Compressiceps
Rusty Cichlid
Cynotilapia
Tretocephalus

I would only get 1 male of each. This would give you a nice spread of color with little to moderate aggression.

You could also research shelldwellers and go that route.

Unfortunately, your tank is not ideal for the majority of cichlids simply because they require a lot of space. I would stay away from Mbunas (except for the few mellow ones listed above) - print out a list off the internet of Mbuna and be sure NOT to get those when you go fish shopping (unless you're into cockfights and dogfighting, that is).

Get a good heater and a good hang-off-the-back powerfilter and you should be good to go. You might want to ditch the driftwood if you go African; some extra rocks instead would be more suitable.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom