Are Cichlids more work?

[SPACEMAKER]

I am still on the process of getting my 135g cycling and I am trying to decide on a stocking scheme. Prior to this tank I have never had an aquarium of any kind.

I am wondering if cichlids are any more difficult to own than other FW fish and if you have any recommendations.

Thanks.

[llamabob]

Yes and no.

You're gonna have to be more specific.

My suggestion is to do a search, find cichlids that interest you. Write them down.

Search that cichlid and any other cichlid you have on your list, check to see if they live in the same area, are they compatible, food requirements, water parameters etc.

If you have any questions you can't find, everyone here will be happy to assist.


Also a good thing to do for ideas, is search "cichlid tanks" on this forum and look for members with photos of their cichlid tanks.

[SPACEMAKER]

OK. Thanks.

I saw a cichlid aqurium at the pet store and it was beautiful. I suppose I could ask them exactly what they have and see about doing what it takes to have a similar scheme.

[llamabob]

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/tanks/

Many pictures of owners tanks.

Browse their species list, photos etc.

Lots of cool stuff there.

http://www.aquariumfish.net/catalog_pages/cichlids_neotropical/cichlids_neotropical_table.htm#top2

A fish store, don't buy just look at the types of cichlids etc.

Lake Malawai cichlids.. http://www.aquariumfish.net/catalog_pages/cichlids_african/african_cichlids_table.htm#top2

Lake Tanganyika..
http://www.aquariumfish.net/catalog_pages/cichlids_african/african_cichlids_tanganyika.htm#top2

[donfenk]

In general Cichlids are are easy to keep since they are very hardy - however, they are very agreesive and well that is where the problems usually start - fish losses will be from one another if not addressed by the correct selection of fish - providing hiding places, providing enough fish to divide the aggression ....

[Kyohti]

I agree. First the big question is African or SouthAmerican (aka New World) cichlids. You can't keep both together because they have very different water requirements. Technically you could by keeping the water in the middle.... but the fish won't be as happy and it will show in their behavior and lack of those notoriously flashy colors.

Also keep in mind their eventual size. You can buy German blue rams and electric yellows from the same store with both being 2"... but in a few years, your electric would be twice the size... and twice as aggressive!!!

I'm beginning in the world of cichlids myself and one thought is ringing true....

YOU HAVE TO DO THE FOOTWORK.

Research research research. Because if you set up a good tank formula before you stock your tank, you've won half the battle. Ask advice from these fine folks here. Ask others. Read books (recent ones... nothing outdated). Know what you're getting and what it will come to be in the future. Prepare for that. Yeah, it sounds like a lot of hassle, but if you do it now, the actual fishkeeping will be a cinch. You'll know exactly what to expect of your fish, you'll have a beautiful, well crafted environment that is both eye-catching and pleasing for your cichs, and you'll lose less in the costs of fish replacements or treatments. In short, the work now will pay off a lot throughout the ownership of your cichlid setup.

[SPACEMAKER]

Thank you all very much for the info. I definitely want to be careful and do things the right way. I do not want my fish to fight and eat eachother. They will be my pets and I want them to be safe and happy.

[jm1212]

all cichlids are territorial to some degree, some more than others. there are plenty of American cichlids that you can keep together and are pretty peacful. severum, angels, and festivum are common ones that you'll find anywhere and are pretty hardy. severum and festivum get to at least 8 inches, but angels stay around 6.
some cichlids are very messy and get big, like oscars. if you choose to have messier fish in your tank, you'll have to have better filtration and keep your stocking in the lower range of the spectrum.

most africans are pretty territorial, especially males.

[mikeb]

In some cases cichlids can be more expensive. But in M/O the expense is worth it. I perfer Frontosa, they are easy keepers and not too aggressive. Do you research before you choose.

[Star_Rider]

in the case of water..some of the african waters are not so different than the waters of say central and south america.
lake victoria's pH varies from 7-9.


the pH can vary considerably.
that said I would probably not keep african with new world even if the water were suitable.

with a 136 GAL you can keep a few of the new worlds as mentioned festivum, angels and severums.

they will all exhibit some aggression if you wind up with mating pars..but a 135 has a decent foot print.