Wanting New Fish Ideas for my Tank

[Mrs. Ruglayr]

Hi!

I have an 85 gallon tank, with 2 AC 500 filters, a heater and gravel. I am looking for ideas about what types of fish to re-stock my tank with.

Up 'til now, I've always had either one or two large fish, and 2 plecos in this tank. What I'd really like now, is a variety of several smaller fish. I don't care if they're all the same type, I just want variety in looks. I want to look at a colorful tank. I want fish that are fun to watch. My only concern, is that I live in a town that has very hard water. My Ph is usually 8.5. Any ideas? Please help.

Thank you!:)

[fishdude]

tetras,goramis,rams,guppies,white cloud mountain minnow,dannios the fish database at aquaria central has a wide varriety of fish

[~*LuvMyKribs*~]

Yes but African Rift lake cichlids appreciate hard water and a ph of about 7.5-9.0

You have the perfect water for them! You wouldn't need to bother adjusting it with chemicals. I am jealous :p

They are pretty, fun, smart, and you have a good size tank for getting a school of agressive ones.

[PumaWard]

I agree with LuvMyKribs, your water is perfect for rift lake cichlids. There are also several smaller species of rift lake cichldis as well that fit your description. For example, Julies and shellies. The only problem you may encounter is that they are all bottom dwellers for the most part. But, on the other hand, you may be able to find some barb species that will go well with them, like tiger barbs.

[Mrs. Ruglayr]

Are African Rift Lake Cichlids the same thing as plain old African Cichlids? If I go with this kind, how many would you suggest for my tank?

[~*LuvMyKribs*~]

There are African rift lake cichlids, and african river cichlids.... not to be confused.
Rift lake cichlids are often very aggressive and live in high Ph environments. Example: Malawi Mbunas
River cichlids are more peaceful and can't tolerlate the high ph that rift lake cichlids thrive in. Example: Kribensis! :D

I would suggest rift lake cichlids for your tank,... however the choice is ultimately up to you. There are many many routes to go for when choosing rift lake cichlids. There are three main lakes: Victoria, Malawi, and Tanganyika. Fish from these lakes should not me mixed.... mainly because of different water conditions. Choose the lake with the fish that appeal the most to you.. (search up on the interent to find examples from all the lakes)... then decide on what lake you want. Then decide on whether you want peaceful or aggressive. Then decide what sizes. There are so many options! Lastly you must make sure your fish will be compatible.

http://www.malawimayhem.com has a good database of lake malawi cichlids.

[Mrs. Ruglayr]

It sounds like Rift Lake Cichlids are the way for me to go. Once I decide which ones I like, how do I know how many? Also, my husband's afraid that I'm going to end up with a lot of dead fish. He's afraid that if we don't know what sex we buy, we'll end up with more than one male and they'll fight for dominancy. Is he right? How do I know what I'm buying? Is there an easy way to tell?

Thanks for your help!