I have 12 african cichlids and three of the 12 will get to 10-12inches and the rest of them will get to about 5.5inches. I currently have them in a 29gal tank with a penguin 200 and 50% water changes every week. I don't know how big of a tank i will need, but I don't know if i would be able to go over a 55gal!
How big of a tank should i get?
- Thread starter cichlidcichlid
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Get as large a tank as you can fit into your budget and the place you have planned for it. I started shopping for a small tank about 20-30 gals and after doing some rearranging, I ended up getting a 75 gal. I'm so glad I took the advice of my wife! 
I would get at the minimum a 75g tank, but preferably a larger one because the definitely could be aggression issues.
A minimum of a 75 for the SHORT TERM grow out.
What kinds exactly? "African cichlids" is a very broad term, encompassing several different water and food requirements, and not even getting into temperment and habitat.
If you are not sure, try to post pics for identification.
What kinds exactly? "African cichlids" is a very broad term, encompassing several different water and food requirements, and not even getting into temperment and habitat.
If you are not sure, try to post pics for identification.
There is no way you can keep that many fish healthy and happy in a 55g. I would be surprised if you don't have water quality issues already...not to mention aggression.
Are you going to be able to keep the 29 gallon in addition to a new tank? The 10 - 12 inch fish need a huge tank, with 3 of this size fish a 55 gallon tank just won't cut it.
check craigslist -- you can normally find some pretty good deals on tanks there, and its not unusual to see 75 gallons or 90's going for under $200 with stand.
here are some pics of my cichlids:
http://www.aaawebmaster.com/cichlids/lab1.jpg
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e228/Pontius2000/tues7.jpg
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e228/Pontius2000/tues2.jpg
http://www.cichlidcityaquariums.ca/images/cichlid/cichlid_auratus.jpg
http://www.cichlidcityaquariums.ca/images/cichlid/cichlid_socolofi.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...chlid_front.jpg/250px-Jewel_cichlid_front.jpg
http://www.aaawebmaster.com/cichlids/lab1.jpg
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e228/Pontius2000/tues7.jpg
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e228/Pontius2000/tues2.jpg
http://www.cichlidcityaquariums.ca/images/cichlid/cichlid_auratus.jpg
http://www.cichlidcityaquariums.ca/images/cichlid/cichlid_socolofi.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...chlid_front.jpg/250px-Jewel_cichlid_front.jpg
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these are off google, but you get the idea of what i have.
And who ever said i have poor water quality, excuse me i do 50% water changes every week. Plus i don't over feed so they do not excessively pollute the tank.
And who ever said i have poor water quality, excuse me i do 50% water changes every week. Plus i don't over feed so they do not excessively pollute the tank.