Cichlid Tank

[base20]

Well I want to start a cichlid tank and I was wondering how many gallons does the tank need to be? How many and what types of cichlids can I have? How does my tank have to be set up? Thanks for any answers and advice!

 

[mfdrookie516]

Welcome to AA In all honesty, it depends on what kind of cichlids youre looking at getting. Tank size will vary from 10 gallons, up to 100 gallons +. The way the tank has to be set up will also depend on the fish. Any ideas at what type youre looking at getting?

 

[base20]

I was looking into Rams,Keyhole Chichlid,and Electric Yellow

 

[mfdrookie516]

well i think all three of those are incompatable. yellow labs are a definate no with both of those. They are african cichlids, so if you want those, you'll have to go with an african tank with species only from lake malawi. 55g is the minimum tank size for those. For rams, a 20g tank would be a good size. Not sure on the keyholes

 

[base20]

Ok so for the 55g african chichlid tank how many can go in there?
And for the 20g Ram tank how many Rams would be good?

 

[mfdrookie516]

there are alot of variables. If you went with something like 1m3fm of yellow labs, acei, and hongi (just examples), you could have 12 provided you have adequate filtration and plenty of rocks. Ive never had rams, so im not the one to ask on that, but im sure somebody with some experience with them can give you some info on them

 

[base20]

OK Thanks I'm really looking forward to starting this tank. haha

 

[base20]

Another question cichlid's tanks can't have like cleaner fish right?

 

[mfdrookie516]

haha, i know the feeling. im anxiously waiting for my 55g to cycle so i can stock some in it to grow out to add to my 150g. Now is a good time to start doing your research. Make sure you read up on cycling, and plan for 2-4 weeks of a tank with no fish in it. Also, be stocking up on rocks as well. You'll need ALOT of them. Take a look at my pictures in my album on my profile. I have about 1/3 the rocks i need, but im just taking my time and stocking very very slowly.

 

[mfdrookie516]

Cleaner fish as in plecos? You can have a pleco in there, although i wouldnt recommend it. A synondontis cat would be a better idea, but there is no need for one. I dont have one in my mbuna tank

 

[base20]

Ok I was just wondering.
And I am doing lots of research of both cycling and the fish.

 

[base20]

BTW I looked in your profile... nice tank!

 

[base20]

One more question what are kribensis cichlids compatible with?

 

[base20]

Ok well the 55g might be scratched off my list because of budget and space. My brother and mom like american cichlids, what would be an ideal tank size for about 5? ( we were considering Port Acaras,Gold Severums,Apistogrammas,Convicts, and Firemouths)

 

[base20]

If to go with the African cichlids we were considering Orange Leleupi Cichlids, and Marlieri Cichlids but are tank has to be under 40 gallons so I'm not sure on what to get.

 

[mfdrookie516]

55g is pretty much the smallest tank you are going to be able to have unless you go with something like Neolamprologus multifasciatus. The multies would be some neat fish to have if youre going to have to settle for something small

 

[base20]

Oh because what would be best for my budget would be a 30 gallon. In that case i'll just get the Rams or some shell dwellers

 

[Aquarium1]

Neolamprologus Occellatus can fit in a tank as small as a 10g look awesome. World Cichlids Fish Profile Neolamprologus Ocellatus
or Neolamprologus brevis World Cichlids Fish profile - Neolamprologus brevis

 

[base20]

Thanks A1 those look really cool but I'm still trying to chose between them and the Rams...

 

[Aquarium1]

Rams are awesome too. I haven't kept them but I've looked into them. I think you can only keep a pair at a time. And I'm pretty sure 2 will fit in a 20g, possibly with some tetras. Some other ram expert might be able to clarify better lol.