Want to start a 55 gallon cichlid tank

[pnyklr3]

I have a 55 gallon established tank that I would like to convert to a cichlid tank. I would like to have many smaller cichlids instead of just one or two, if possible. My water is alkaline and is about 120-150ppm total hardness. I have never kept cichlids, but I'd like to start. What types stay on the smaller side?

I would love your opinions about this, and if I can only fit a few in the tank, so be it!

~Jade

 

[guppymonkey]

Most cichlids are territorial but some are to a larger extent then others. Cichlid tanks are easy to set up if you do enough research. I suggest getting a book on cichlids so that you can learn about the habits of different species. Also it depends if you want a theme tank, such as south american cichlids or african. I like severums (they get kind of large though) and firemouths because they are less territorial then some of the other species such as the rift lake cichlids.

 

[Gunnie]

I noticed you posted in the african cichlids forum, but most of the africans like a higher ph. You may want to research the American cichlids which would be more compatible with your ph. There are some beautiful new world cichlids including the 2 pnyklr3 mentioned.

 

[DanL]

You could easily keep tank raised african cichlids in that water you have.

what is the dimensions of that tank? it does make a difference.

 

[pnyklr3]

It is (I believe; haven't measured it in awhile) 48x18x12.5...that sounds about right. It'd a long 55 gallon, not a hex, the plain old rectangle.

 

[DanL]

well in a 4' 55 gallon tank you have alot of options.

it really depends on which african lake that you want to go with. The two most popular are Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika

I am a Lake Tanganyika fan so if it were my tank I would probably go with:
- a group of Lamprologus Ocellatus, probably 6
- probably 4 or 5 Synodontis Petricola
- a group of 10 to 12 Cyprichromis leptosoma (not the jumbo variety)
- some Altolamprologus calvus or compressiceps, probably 3

 

[modernhamlet]

Since Dan gave you a solid rundown of Tanganyikan possibilities for your 55g, I'll give you the Malwi Mbuna version. I haven't researched the Malawi Peacocks or Haps enough to know what would or wouldn't work for your tank. Hopefully someone can fill those in for you if you're interested...

Anyway, here are a few suggestions:

Cynotilapia afra

Iodotropheus sprengerae (Rusty Cichlid)

Labidochromis caeruleus (Yellow Lab)

Pseudotropheus sp. "Acei"

Psuedotropheus Saulosi

Pairs or trios of 3-4 of these or similar small, less aggressive mbuna species would make a beautiful, active tank. A school of a small Synodontis catfish species would round out the tank nicely. Plenty of rockwork is essential.

No matter what you decide, remember to do your homework beforehand. Water chemistry, extra filtration, and higher levels of aggression are just a few of the complicating factors. But I'm sure you'll find they're worth it, whatever you decide to go with...

good luck!