Son wants cichlids

If you are able to, get at least a 55 gal and then you can really enjoy Cichlids IMO. Look on Craigslist for used tanks. I know here we can find 55 gal with stands rather cheaply. Even if it's got fish that you don't want it's still worth considering, lots of fish stores will take them from you and some will even give you store credit or cash for them.
 
I've yet to see the "compressiceps shell" variety and I'm not aware of many places that sell them online.

IMO something like n. multifasciatus is a great starter fish because 1) they stay small 2) they are not too picky about diet or water params 3) they breed easily, colonize, and extra fish/fry can possibly be turned in to your LFS for credit. JMO though.
 
Wow, I have to tell you that this is the first time that I have heard and seen pics of that A. sp. compressiceps shell. Dwarf shellie version... I love it, guys!!! ibr3ak, thanks for teaching me something new!
 
A local lfs here sells them from time to time, just about the only lfs you can get tangs from that you seldom see anywhere else in the city.

P.S. theres a guy on aquabid selling some sumbu shell altos that are pretty pricey, but if you're just doing a tank for your kid, I'd just go with multis like jpappy said, they're cheaper and easy to find.
 
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i think whenever i bought my multies from arakris he said that he had cyps and this "sumbu shell dweller" thingie. that must be what he was talking about.
 
thanks guys that was a big help. I'll have to order from Dave's as San Antonio is going to be about 3 hours south of me. But I will defenetly keep his site. Thanks again. My son is excited about being able to keep cichlids and plans to save his money to get a bigger tank later.
 
Hey ibr3ak how much are the Altolamprologus sp. compressiceps dwarfs going for i can not find them anywhere around here and would love to setup a tank for them Heck i would be willing to trade some fish for them..

Also megoto in that 10gal i would only do like 3 to 5 Neolamprologus Multifasciatus Shellies and thats it they will fill that 10gal up real quick, also provide sand and about 3 shells to each fish..

Hey efors you know that old saying aye (YOUR NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW) hehehe Granpa efors you are the KING..
 
One thing I've notieced about Texas, used tanks are relatively cheap and plentiful. You should be able to pick us something from craiglist or e-bay whenever you're ready.
 
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