tankmates for cichlids

[winger_1]

Hello to everyone,

This is my first post. I am about to set up a 56 Gallon Tank and am planning on keeping cichlids. I have kept them many years ago. I was wondering if anyone can tell me what tankmates I can keep with them. I know I can keep plecos. Other than that if you could let me know. Thanks a bunch.

 

[Snake_Eyes]

What kind of cichlids?

 

[winger_1]

I am flexible but am primarily considering Africans.

 

[dent20]

I haven't been disappointed with my peacocks. I also have some afras and labs. Do you want several different kind or to focus on one or two fish?

 

[winger_1]

I am looking to having as many different types as I can. So sDeveral I guess. I also have another question. I know africans like rock formations. I need some advice on what type of rocks to use and also what kind of bottom (gravel, sand) or any others. Thank you all for your help!

 

[charlie_stubbs]

I am looking to having as many different types as I can. So sDeveral I guess. I also have another question. I know africans like rock formations. I need some advice on what type of rocks to use and also what kind of bottom (gravel, sand) or any others. Thank you all for your help!

I have an african cichlid tank, and i use lava rock, as it is inert. There is a link to a pic of my tank in my signature, it is also 55 gal. The lava rock works quite well in creating multiple caves, and i have found my cichlids have dug a few caves of there own here and there as well.

 

[tarheels910]

For substrate I would use crushed coral, or sand, whichever you prefer. You need a lot of rocks/caves. Personally I use slate, but you can use whatever you think looks best. Just make sure you wash it extremely good.

As for fish: in a 56 you should be able to keep 13-14 mbuna. I wouldnt put haps and peacocks in with them. The haps will get too big and the peacocks will fall to the mbuna's aggression.

Now you need to be way over-filtrated. I suggest your filtration to turn over your tank about 14-15 times. ( To find this take the total gph of your filters and divide it by the tank size) This step is the most important when dealing with africans.

Well good luck with the tank. Post pictures and keep us updated.