African Cichlids

ScuabaDuba

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I have been keeping tropical fish for years, and maintain a ten-gallon community tank. I am looking to start an African Cichlid tank. I have a 5 gallon tank that is currently unused...would that be suitable? What steps should I take? How many specimens would you say could live in it?

Thank you!
 
No cichlid can live in a five gallon tank. You need to look at 20g minimum to start for small cichlids, as even these need space to claim territory.

Have you considered a larger tank?
 
I agree invest in a big tank 50 gallon or more. It's not that expensive if you concider the number of fish you can keep.
 
Yea, I figured that may be the case. I have no problem purchasing a larger tank...probably 25 or 50 gallons....suggestions on setup and the ilk?

Thanks guys!!!
 
go for a long tank rather than tall.. a four foot or bigger is ideal...lots of rocks etc.. best filtration you can afford.. preferably a large canister filter or two.

when you say africans, are you talking malawi or tangs?
if so. let us know you water harness, ph etc.
 
I am not knowledgable of the difference between the two types....I have not set the tank up yet, so hardness and ph are unavail.

Is there a benefit to keeping one over the other?

Thanks.
 

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