bought my 1st cichlids today!

[jcmonkeygirl]

I finally bought some cichlids to go in to my 55 gallon. I have had the tank setup for them for like 2 or 3 months but never bought any cichlids b/c i was having green water. So i bought crushed coral and put with the sand and now my tank is doing well!
I bought 2 yellow labs today and i let the bags float for awhile, then added some tank water to the bag and then about 5 minutes later added some more water etc. Well now it has been about an hour since i let them out of the bag and they are chilling behind a rock at the bottom. is this normal for cichlids to do at first? I am also curious to what else i can put with them so that the tank is somewhat peaceful. I also have a 7 inch common pleco in there.


tank:
ph- 8.0
nitrite-0
ammonia-0
nitrate- 10ppm
gh and kh is 8-11

[Dean]

Their just getting acclimating, it may take a day or two. Nothing to worry about. But in the future you may want to add more to help lower agression problems. If you want to add a cool bottom dweller then go with these

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/tanks/images/4049c.jpg

or any Synodontis.

[Oscar_Mania]

When I first got my Oscar and put him in the tank, he kind of just half laid on his side on a rock for a couple of days. After awhile he started swimming around. They just have to get used to the new environment.

[jcmonkeygirl]

i am planning on buying 2 more yellow labs this friday. I just didn't have enough money today. I don't want any more bottom feeders do to my big ol' pleco.

[Dean]

For more info click here (http://cichlid-forum.com)

[valerie]

Electric yellows are considered to be one of the more "peaceful" mbuna. But that means they are less aggresive then most mbuna, not that they are peaceful. That means they still shouldnt' be mixed with community type fish(tetras,cories etc.). Its best to keep them with other mbuna or other fish from lake malawi as these fish suit their aggresion levels.

I would add a few more yellows(about 5) and they add another group. Since you seem to be knew to cichlids,especiall africans, I would stick to the less aggresive mbuna.

Check out

ps. saulosi
iodotropheus sprengerae
Ps. acei

They should do ok with your yellow labs.

[JSchmidt]

valerie makes some good recommendations for other starter cichlids.

Don't be alarmed if your yellow labs are reclusive. I have several tanks with them, and they are among the more shy of my mbuna. Sometimes getting tankmates who are a bit bolder helps, but it's pretty hit or miss. I try to make my fish as comfortable as possible, and if they like to hide a lot, I do what I can to provide hiding spaces. As they get to know you, they'll be less prone to dash for the rocks when you're around.

Good luck,
Jim

[jcmonkeygirl]

will red zebras or bumble bee cichlids go ok with the yellow labs?

[valerie]

Red zebras might but they can be quite aggresive at times, you may have to weed out any that are pciking on each other. But bumble bee cichlid(ps.crabro) is very aggresive and gets quite large. I wouldn't suggest getting these.

[jcmonkeygirl]

ok, i have just been looking around at my lfs and all i can find are yellow labs, bumble bees, kenyis, and red zebras. i figured i would ask you guys first

[valerie]

If that is all you have to choose from(did you check all the stores??) then the best bet would be the red zebras. Kenyis and bumble bees get quite aggresive and may not be the best choice for a beginner.

[jcmonkeygirl]

they only have those and then the "assorted african cichlids" which look like yellow labs and red zebras. i have been to all of the petsmarts around here and all of the other fish stores.

[valerie]

And any of the Lfs can't order what you want in? what city do you live in?

[jcmonkeygirl]

i didn't think about special ordering.
i live in cary, nc