Keeping Cichlids

[DAL32]

Hi all,

can anyone determine the ideal (if any) aquarium size to house a reasonable number and variety of Cichlids - both in dimensions and gallons. Though not necessarily for beginners, since the tank I acquire will most likely be kept in the long run. I'm particularly after the rock appeal, with small to medium sized fish I see posted on this forum (I assume these are the Malawi setups). Despite this however, which variety (Arican or American) would you consider most fulfilling and/or hardiest to look after?

Cheers

 

[rED O]

well thats not relly helping, what size of a tank do you want? i dont suggest a african cichlid tank smaller than 55 gallons

 

[england]

i would say a good start size would be a 5ft/2ft/2ft tank 150 us gallons/566litres.......but you will want to upgrade trust me<iam at the end of the year>if you can go 6ft even better.....gives you more space to have more variety and space obviously for them.....in my oppinion central/south american are by far the best with quirky looks and personality remembe and great filteration is a must its a hit n miss for tank mates but first do all the reacearch possible

 

[CAC]

I think that in part it depends on your tapwater aswell...Africans want (or is it need? I imagine it is) a high pH and I THINK hard water. Whereas south americans can thrive in a large parameter of water types, but are best in soft, slightly acidic water.

EDIT: I also think large tank is allways better, but its easy to do a small tank for either group you go for. So for a small south american tank of arroun 20 gallons you could have some apistos or similar and for a tank of arround the same size you could also do shelldwellers.