New Tank And Considering Cichlids...

[Burningsky]

Hello! I'm pretty new to the fish world and trying to find my way. I had fish when I was younger, but they were usually angelfish or a community of mollies,platties,neons,etc. I'm now considering a tank of cichlids...but unsure where to start. I really love their colors and would love to have them set up in our 55 gallon tank. But I'm unsure what's ok to mix and what's not. I don't want anything too large at maturity (over 8").

Is it best to stick to one type of cichild (African with African, etc) or can you mix? Is it best to just stick with semi aggressives ? Can they co exsist with peaceful fish like Pelligrinis or peaceful Cichlids?

Here's the list I am looking at, feel free to advise me!

Wild Chimba Red Moorii Cichlid
Ruby Red Peacock Cichild
Electric Blue Ahli Cichlid
Orange Blotched Zebra Cichlid
Cobalt Blue Cichlid

Thank you!
Wendy
B)

 

[Ferris]

The mixture you've listed has a few problems (don't worry, they usually do ). You have a mixture of Mbuna, Haps and Peacocks....not good.

Your best options are to either go for:

1. Mbuna only tank
2. Peacocks only (can include yellow labs with Peacocks but very few other Mbuna)
3. Haps or Haps/Peacocks combination tank

IMO your tank size is ideal for Mbuna or Peacocks but borderline for Haps. I'd reccommend Mbuna or male Peacocks if its colour you want.

 

[Burningsky]

Thanks! Good to know!

Here's 2 more questions from me!:

How do I know which are Mbunas,Haps,etc? The sites I have looked at only list them as African or New World?? Not the best site I'm sure, but it's what I've looked at for reference.

Where do you get your fish? The local places have very little selection of anything...and they are even more so limited on Cichlids. Is online ordering safe?

Thanks!

 

[Ferris]

Research is pretty much the only answer to your 1st question. Finding the latin/scientific name is essential with Africans as it then enables you to search the internet/websites and find accurate information. A good site will state whether a species is Mbuna/Hap etc but here's a good link for starters:

LINK

If you're not sure, post the name here and someone will always confirm this for you.

I am lucky as I have a very good LFS for Mbuna (which is what i keep). If they don't stock a particular species, they will order them for me. They are not cheap but still well worth it.

I know some members here order Africans (and others) on line, which seems to work well.

 

[Burningsky]

Thanks for the link, that's very helpful. I'm going to get reading right away!

 

[modernhamlet]

Here's 2 more questions from me!:

How do I know which are Mbunas,Haps,etc? The sites I have looked at only list them as African or New World?? Not the best site I'm sure, but it's what I've looked at for reference.

A much better site:
http/www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/index.php?region=M
In the "Select the Sub-Group" dropdown, select Mbuna, Haplichromis, or Peacocks. Instant extensive information on a large number of available Malawi species.

Where do you get your fish? The local places have very little selection of anything...and they are even more so limited on Cichlids. Is online ordering safe?

The same site provides an extensive list of online cichlid dealers and user reviews here: http/www.cichlid-forum.com/reviews/retai...y.php?CatID=002

After doing a little research, I got all of my fish via online mail-order and it was a very positive experience.

 

[Burningsky]

"IMO your tank size is ideal for Mbuna or Peacocks but borderline for Haps. I'd reccommend Mbuna or male Peacocks if its colour you want."

Why is it borderline for haps? Do they require more tank space?

 

[freddyk]

Haps are more of an open water type fish, and they require more space in general. There are many smaller haps that would certainly work, but you'll want to be careful with your selection because there are many haps that get much to large. Like any cichlid, some are also more aggressive then others.

To choose between Haps and mbuna can be made fairly easy. If you want a crowded tank with lots of rockscaping mbuna would be the better choice. If you want a less crowded tank with sparser rockscaping then haps would be considered. Peacocks, as already mentioned, do better with the haps, though there are a few mbuna that they can go with.

On the second link provided by modernhamlet there are lots of great articals that can help you get started.