African Or South American Cichlids?

[thrankall]

I am getting a 55gallon US. I want to make it a cichlid tank( I am a beginner by the way). I was wondering what cichlids would be better for someone whos new to the hobby. African or South American?

 

[bobf]

I am getting a 55gallon US. I want to make it a cichlid tank( I am a beginner by the way). I was wondering what cichlids would be better for someone whos new to the hobby. African or South American?

First place to start is with your tap water conditions.

If it's hard water (ph above say 7.5) african will be easier, if its softer (less than 7.5) south american will be easier. You can go against this of course, but you will then need to raise or lower the hardness accordingly

Beyond that, which fish do like? Do you want just a couple of bigger ones or a bunch of smaller cichlids? Community tank with cichlids or just a single species 'specimin' type setup?

Have a look at the pics on this site here and see what you like the look of

Member photos

What does your local fish store offer? Are they specialist in any particular types?

 

[One_Trick_Pony]

water harness is cerintly somthing to be aware of, as said above, but eqaully what you can get hold of as well must play sometime, lots of fish you see on here possabley arent availble local to you, i know a lot of them aren'tnear to me

 

[thrankall]

I have soft water so i think ill get south american. And i would like a bunch of smaller cichlids.