In need of some help.....

[CJC]

Hello all.....
It has been quit some time since I've been on here, but I know that I've came to the right place for all my questions!
So here is the story, a while back I acquired a 45g hex, which went into my spare room and is now cycled. I also have a 55g FW, that has been up and running for several years, in my livingroom that currently houses platys and 2 austrailain rainbows, 1 bristlenose, and approx. 10 fry. All of these inhabitants will be moved to the hex this week; which means I will have an empty 55g.

I was considering cichlids, however I've never had this type of species in any tank I've ever had. So I guess what I am wondering is what is a good species for a 55 gallon and won't outgrow it? Do they require any different water treatment or pram. from what I have currently? Which are compatible with one another as I don't want any of them fighting? Anything that you could share about this species would be greatly appreciated. I've read many of the posts on this species so far here, and all the info I've came across is very helpful and I plan on continuing to read and educate myself.

I wanted to let it be known that the ONLY LFS that we have where I am located is Petco and Petsmart, so obviously I know that I need to be careful and selective; and I know that everybody has mixed emotions on these 2 stores, and that isn't why I posted this.....I honestly and truly want and need to know more about cichlids before jumping into this.
Thanks in advance!
Charity

[jpappy789]

First you need to pick between africans and SA/CA cichlids.

If you go african, further specify malawi, tanganyika, or victoria.

I'd use that as a starting point. ;)

[Hooked Newbie]

What do you like? Alot of hyper activity and interesting fish interactions or a "peaceful" tropical setting? African vs. SA. There are exceptions and other options of course. :)

[toddnbecka]

Here's a link you may find helpful for a start. However, don't go with the assumption that the stocking combo's are going to work. Once you have some idea of which cichlid/s you're interested in you can ask more specific questions.
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/cookie_cutter_55g.php
Incidentally, a hex tank is most unsuitable for Australian rainbows. They'd likely be better off with several more added to the group and left in the 55.

[CJC]

Here's a link you may find helpful for a start. However, don't go with the assumption that the stocking combo's are going to work. Once you have some idea of which cichlid/s you're interested in you can ask more specific questions.
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/cookie_cutter_55g.php
Incidentally, a hex tank is most unsuitable for Australian rainbows. They'd likely be better off with several more added to the group and left in the 55.


Thanks so much for the link! Definetely going to be looking at that once I finish replying to this. The hex is a temp. housing for about a week for the rainbows. They will then be moved to a 75g aquarium which is completing the cycling process and more will be added. Unfortunately due to the ice storm that we had which left us without power for 2 weeks, several of thier rainbows died; and 2 lived. The female platys are being transferred to a 29g classroom aquarium, and the males...well....I'm not quit sure as of this moment. Again, thanks for the link.

[CJC]

What do you like? Alot of hyper activity and interesting fish interactions or a "peaceful" tropical setting? African vs. SA. There are exceptions and other options of course. :)

Good question......
I would perfer to have the peaceful tropical setting, considering the hyper active and interesting is part of my everyday life. Truly....either/or would be suitable for me. I honestly like both. I think that the vivid coloring and activity is beautiful, however I also find that dull and interesting is fascinating.

[VivaLaVics]

Good question......
I would perfer to have the peaceful tropical setting, considering the hyper active and interesting is part of my everyday life. Truly....either/or would be suitable for me. I honestly like both. I think that the vivid coloring and activity is beautiful, however I also find that dull and interesting is fascinating.

I prefer AFricans but they will be a bit of work considering that they are "individuals" (as much as they can be) and you may have to deal with their aggression issues. One neat thing about them though is that they do start to recognize you. My Africans (malawi & tang.) will be out and about with me around, ready for food and not afraid but if a stranger comes in they are hiding. The down side to this is all my friends have to bend over and look through rocks to see most of them hahaha.

If I were you go I'd go to a fishstore and check out their cichlids. Pick a few that are most appealing to your eye and then watch them for a good 15-20 min a peice to see their behavior. Pick the fish themselves.

Another asthetic thing to watch for is what the females look like. Some Africans have FABULOUS males but hidious females- or you can pick a species that has Pretty males and females. One thing to remember if you do go for Africans is the 1:2 ratio. At MINIMUM keep 1 male to every 2 females. This will ensure less fin nipping and aggression. (it can still happen but will be minimized.) :) Can't wait to see what you pick! There are SO MANY options!

[jpappy789]

Good question......
I would perfer to have the peaceful tropical setting, considering the hyper active and interesting is part of my everyday life. Truly....either/or would be suitable for me. I honestly like both. I think that the vivid coloring and activity is beautiful, however I also find that dull and interesting is fascinating.

There aren't too many dull cichlids ;)

Some dwarf SA cichlids (rams or apistos) would fit nicely into a community setup.

[toddnbecka]

I picked up 2 curviceps at Petsmart today, couldn't pass them up for $1.75 each. Last ones, or I would have gotten a few more. They're about as mellow as cichlids come, quite suitable for a community tank. They won't grow much larger than 3", about the same size as Ram's or Krib's, though not as colorful.
If you prefer something a little larger (but still relatively mellow) look for festiviums or acara's. Blue acara's are the most commonly available species.
With the weather warming up you may want to consider aquabid.com for a waaay larger selection of species. Always check the seller's feedback rating, but in most cases you'll get good stock IME.