After learning some hard Newbie lessons, I have listened hard to the advice of the members on here and have purchased a new 60g tank that is coming to the end of a fishless cycle (I hope!).

I have spent some time looking into the types of fish I like, but now have a conundrum. I really like some of the African cichlids, yet I would also like a more "regular" tropical community tank, with some shoaling fish, and say a BN plec.

I would like to get a good balance of top, middle and bottom swimmers, and it seems the 60g should be good for this with its extra depth.

My LFS has the cichlids categorised as "aggressive" so is it possible to mix some African cichlids with the other types of fish I have described, e.g. gouramis, barbs, tetras, etc?

Apologies in advance if my question is very Newbie-esque so any possible stocking suggestions and advice would be very gratefully appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

This post has been edited by jdstephe: Mar 16 2008, 08:24 PM

Most african cichlids are too aggressive for community tanks (a sweeping generalisaton there), and require a higher pH. Though there are some african cichlids that you could do in a 'community tank' such as kribs.

Having said that I feel its better to keep africans from the rift valley in a tank of their own.

Is there a particular african cichlid you like, as that would help us.

Hello + welcome,
African Cichlids tend to be best kept in same-species tank, as they can get aggressive.
Also, they usually need 'Alkaline', hard water as opposed to Neutral/Acidic water which Tetras, Angelfish, Loaches etc..tend to like.

It would be quite a brave move to get African Cichlids as first fish!

For a balanced 'Community' Tropical mix there are so many choices, some that are colourful and lively include;

Tetra's (Various- in shoals of 6+)
Swordtails, Platys, Guppies (Livebearers)
Gourami- 'Honey' and 'RedDwarf' are smallest.
Clown Loaches (Bottom dwellers)
Pleco,/Corydoras catfish.

The choice is vast and in-depth info. is widely available on this forum and other Websites.

Enjoy choosing! > Introduce in small numbers at a time, whatever you choose...

Wow - thanks for the fast reply.

I have checked on the internet and the ones I have seen at my LFS are Pseudotropheus saulosi (or could be Labidochromis caeruleus) and also Placidochromis electra.

Would these work?

L.Caeruleus are also know as 'Electric-Yellow Malawi Cichlids'.
> I recently thought about getting some when they came into my LFShop. They are on top-left of this forums page, I think and what Info. I know is the following;

They are Mouthbrooders; like Alkaline water, PH of 7.5-8.5; + Like rocky caves; can grow to 5inches; Like some Aquarium Salt added; they can be aggressive, and would probably not suit a community tank.

Check out the 'Cichlids- African' section on this forum for more in-depth info. (+Experts may advise more soon..)



This post has been edited by rossyt99: Mar 15 2008, 11:21 PM

P.s; I would have bought some as they look great> but did not go with other fish I have.

Definately keeping them as option in future..

Thanks for the advice - it looks like I may have to choose between Mbuna and tropical community then. Mmmm...will be a tough one!