Best tank for Black Diamond???

Okay, I've been studying and reading and asking questions and observing ALOT in the past 10 months, have 4 tanks and 7 fry, but I still consider myself quite the newb, esp. compared to rbishop, rtr, and so many others who have kept fish for a long time. Here's the dealio:

I have a 3 inch Paratilapia polleni sp. Madagascar, aka Black Diamond cichlid, aka Marakely. Been planning and saving for a large tank for him since I brought him home, but want the best size for him. And he's getting restless in the 10g; will be okay for a couple more months, but I want to find his new house.

Nature of the fish: will get from 8-10 inches, dep. on if male or female (male larger). Too young to tell. Prefers morning/evening--velvety black with small white spangles all over, shy/skittish, darts, will want swimming space but not necessarily height. He will have to be alone, the species is semi-aggressive to aggressive (doesn't play well with others--and has a large mouth!).

I'll do a black sand/gravel substrate, floating plants, rocks, overfiltered (my preference). So I'm not sure what to go with, but I'm thinking aound 90 gallons? Just not sure, and hope I can get some good advice. This fish is so cool, great personality--he's finally used to my hand in the water and watches me. I have 3 fish who will reach largish size, but I'm pretty good to go with the Black Ghost and Turquoise Severum, who are great together. Thanks so much!!! ~renee

Well, rbishop, i've read so many of your responses, and truly do consider you knowledgeable and i trust your advise!! There are some others here, too. I just want to make sure I get just the right tank for him (I just assume it's a him--Black Jack) as he's very special in so many ways. Believe it or not, Nature's Emporium in Burlington was phasing out all it's cichlids this spring--25% off, so I got him for like 6.00, and I asked a lady about a severum, she said she had one green left, bagged it up, it was so small and I was still learning!!! Brought him home, popped him in the quarantine tank, and thought oh no! he's got ich already, then looked more carefully, then started researching.

Next day went back to see if one of the knowledgeable guys were there--luck! Although this guy breeds N. brichardi and other Lake Tangs., he said he thought it was called a Polanee. So back to the 'net--Luck!! I've spent so much time watching him, noting his behaviors . . . . can't wait to get him in a big tank!! It's great to hear from you that I'm on the right track--you guys can feel good knowing that you've been excellent teachers (remember, I am one and know).
Thank you!!!! :dance2:

Yeah, Rositas rock!!!!!!