New 72 gallon bowfront...and Cichlids

[Jason-282]

What up, I just recently bought a 72 gallon bowfront all glass aquarium. Looking to put some cichlids in there but I'm not really what type and what's the right quantity to put in there.

I would say have moderate cichild experience as I have 4 currently in my 20 gallon setup.

Any suggestions would help.

 

[spunjin]

Are you considering African or Central/South American cichlids?

 

[Jason-282]

Honestly, I'm open to any ideas. I have rock substrate if that makes a difference.

 

[spunjin]

Rock substrate? Like pea gravel from the hardware store?

 

[Jason-282]

Yup, it's actually called river pebble. It looks nice!

 

[spunjin]

Maybe you should go with Central American cichlids like geophagus species. A group of "redhead" geos are quite a site and they spawn regularly and take care of their fry.
All you would need to do for the decor for the "eartheaters" would be to add some play sand to the gravel, some rocks, driftwood with some anubias and/or ferns (plants optional) and you are set.

 

[Jason-282]

Maybe you should go with Central American cichlids like geophagus species. A group of "redhead" geos are quite a site and they spawn regularly and take care of their fry.
All you would need to do for the decor for the "eartheaters" would be to add some play sand to the gravel, some rocks, driftwood with some anubias and/or ferns (plants optional) and you are set.

Thanks I'll look into that. Appreciate the idea.

 

[spunjin]

Look up titansfever83 for information on a geo tank. He has a nice setup.

 

[Coler]

72 Gallons is a lovely size for Mbuna/Malawi cichlids.

Basically I would suggest you consider whether you wish to have a tank with a few larger specimens, or one with many many fish. If the latter, a colourful display of Mbuna in a rockwork based decor will look spectacular.

You could also consider Lake Tanganyika species - less fish in the tank, very interesting behaviour, very subtle beauty in their own right too.

 

[Jason-282]

72 Gallons is a lovely size for Mbuna/Malawi cichlids.

Basically I would suggest you consider whether you wish to have a tank with a few larger specimens, or one with many many fish. If the latter, a colourful display of Mbuna in a rockwork based decor will look spectacular.

You could also consider Lake Tanganyika species - less fish in the tank, very interesting behaviour, very subtle beauty in their own right too.

Thanks. And with that, I'm think I'm starting to sway with something...still open to other suggestions though.