Cichlids For Cycled 55G?

[Zbbal]

For the last few months I've been planning a P. Saulosi species only tank, but sadly will not be able to purchase them because of a crisis in my family that nearly sucked up all my funds. While the Saulosi aren't exactly expensive fish, with shipping they end up being way out of my price range. So I'm here to ask about what you all would recommend for my tank instead. I'm looking for a species or for several species that are more common so that I can find them locally. My tank's water is extremely hard and the pH is around 8.2 with no fluctuations. The temperature stays around 78, and I have over 120 gallons worth of filtration and lots of rock work. Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

 

[Zbbal]

Anyone?

 

[Jannika]

What cichlids are available in your area? Petco is the only place within an hours drive from me, and they only stock "mixed/assorted cichlids", oscars, and parrots.

 

[fshfanatic]

hard water = Africans.

 

[lobster4]

I just got my cichlid tank cycled. Right now I have: 3 yellow labs, 2 aceis, 2 white albino something, and 1 blue with black stripes. I got them as babies for about $30. I'll probably add some more down the line, like a red peacock or something nice.

 

[toddnbecka]

A 55 limits you to smaller mbuna or peacocks for Malawi cichlids, Tanganykians usually aren't as commonly available or inexpensive. Yellow Lab's, perlmutts, or pretty much any Labidochromis species would work in a 55. You could also add a group of demasoni, but at least a dozen to spread the conspecific aggression around and that would likely be a fair bit of $$ too. There are a few smaller peacocks that would also work. I could hook you up with a trio of ruby reds for about $35 shipped Priority Mail. I keep them with perlmutts and mainganos in a couple of 75's, they all seem to get along well enough.