Help Which African Cichlid

[Fishwimp]

I have a 20 gallon tank that I planned on putting 2 female convict cichlids in. The thing is my pH is 8.4. I was thinking I would instead go with a type of African cichlid because they prefer hard water. Could someone please suggest to me African cichlids that can life in a 20 gallon? The more the merrier. Also please a type of cichlid that I can actually find in a fish store. Please and thank you!

 

[tanker]

Not knowing where you are (related to LFS) I do not know what kind of fishes they keep. With a 20gal, I can only think of Tanganyika Shell dwelling cichlids that would fit.

 

[Fishwimp]

Not knowing where you are (related to LFS) I do not know what kind of fishes they keep. With a 20gal, I can only think of Tanganyika Shell dwelling cichlids that would fit.

From California. I was hoping that there would be a more active fish but thank you!

 

[myswtsins]

I'd stick with the shelldwellers in a 20 long. 30" just isn't enough room for fish to escape aggression. Shell dwellers are aggressive too of course but they are small and can hide in their shells. Lake tang guys will love that 8.4 ph where as not much else would. What's your GH and KH?

 

[tommy d]

I've had pretty good luck in a small tank with a cichlid called "rusty." I think they are pretty common and should be available to you on the West Coast.

 

[humahuma]

Some less aggressive fish yellow labidochromis will be a nice addition.