madasafish
Aquarium Advice Addict
Though they're not particularly high maintenance, African Cichlids can be extremely aggressive. The M'buna (algae eating) flock is renounded for this, though some gena within this flock such as Labidochromis and Iodotropheus are exceptional. My main advice would be to do a HUGE amount of research before getting ACs. www.malawicichlids.com is a great starting resource. Check it out, do lots of research.
Secondly, most ACs are territorial. You usually buy 1 male for each 3-5 females to minimize aggression, and often only one male of each species should be bought. In addition to this, species with similar coloration should not be bought because males will feel threatened.
Also, ACs require a very to extremely high pH--anywhere from 7.8 to ~9.5. This is seldom achievable with tap water, so you would need to either buy a buffer solution or a crushed coral substrate and packs for the filter.
Always know what you're getting yourself into. It's good you've asked about this, but if you don't do a lot of research, you'll find yourself with a tank of dead fish!
One last piece of advice... Avoid Pseudeotropheus demasonii, Melanochromis johanii and any other fish that are labeled "aggressive." Check out the Haps vs. M'bunas page: http://cichlid-forum.com/articles/haps_vs_mbuna.php to get an idea about this.
ACs are renowned as difficult fish to combine, and often to keep. If you have a doubt, err on the side of caution. You might regret a choice further down the line.
Secondly, most ACs are territorial. You usually buy 1 male for each 3-5 females to minimize aggression, and often only one male of each species should be bought. In addition to this, species with similar coloration should not be bought because males will feel threatened.
Also, ACs require a very to extremely high pH--anywhere from 7.8 to ~9.5. This is seldom achievable with tap water, so you would need to either buy a buffer solution or a crushed coral substrate and packs for the filter.
Always know what you're getting yourself into. It's good you've asked about this, but if you don't do a lot of research, you'll find yourself with a tank of dead fish!
One last piece of advice... Avoid Pseudeotropheus demasonii, Melanochromis johanii and any other fish that are labeled "aggressive." Check out the Haps vs. M'bunas page: http://cichlid-forum.com/articles/haps_vs_mbuna.php to get an idea about this.
ACs are renowned as difficult fish to combine, and often to keep. If you have a doubt, err on the side of caution. You might regret a choice further down the line.
