30 gallon tank what cichlids

[Benji k]

So I’m getting a 30 gallon tank that all I have the space for and I was thinking of yellow labs I have 2 filters I do 3 water changes a week what do you guys think

 

[Fishmanic]

what is the PH and hardness of your tap water. Be sure to properly cycle the tank before adding any fish that will live in your water parameters.

 

[Benji k]

Yeah I have rift salt and I’ll put some of that in to make the ph higher

 

[Benji k]

what is the PH and hardness of your tap water. Be sure to properly cycle the tank before adding any fish that will live in your water parameters.

Yeah I got rift salt to make ph higher

 

[jaylach]

When testing the PH of tap water make sure to let the water set for ~24 hours to get a true reading. As an example most of the year my tap water has a low PH of 6.1-6.2 which is fine for my South American Cichlids. However, during the summer, my city water supply adds stuff to help prevent pipes from leeching. Straight out of the tap the PH will still test in the low 6'6 but, if I let the water set for a day it will actually show a PH of in the mid 7's.

If your PH ends being high African Cichlids; if low PH then South American Cichlids would do better. I can't say that I actually know if good or bad but I just don't like the sound of adding salts to raise the PH. I would think that crushed shells would be better.

 

[Benji k]

Yeah I don’t really now I’m fine with adding salt. I’ll make shore the ph stays high for the mbunas thanks for the reply

 

[Byron]

Before you get these fish, you need to sort out your water parameters. First, what is the GH (general hardness), KH (carbonate hardness or Alkalinity) and pH of your source water (tapwater presumably)? These numbers will tell us what if any mineral salts may be needed.

Second, if you do have to mix water, remember this is going to be necessary for every water change. The water must be prepared outside the aquarium housing the fish, then added when it has identical parameters. As someone who has done this, it is not as easy as it sounds. It gets expensive, and has risks. I mention all this because it appears you are relatively new to the hobby. Even with my 30 years experience I would cautiously go down this road.

Third, a 30g tank is too small for rift lake cichlids except for shell dwellers. I believe this was noted in another thread.

If you have very soft or soft water, neotropical cichlids (South and Central American) would be better fits so far as water is concerned.