New tank-considering cichlids

[CatoeSc]

Looking at getting a tank about 60 gallons. Thinking about stocking cichlids. I have a couple of questions. I posted in general forum, but thought this would be a more appropriate place.
1. What can I stock with cichlids?
2. I read on-line that the the 1 inch of fish per gallon of water doesn't apply. Looks like I should have more fish to prevent them from establishing a territory. Is that true?

I appreciate any help! Thanks.

 

[CameronCade]

Your pretty limited to only African cichlids. That is if your talking about getting haps, peacocks or mbunas because they are aggressive. Which leads me to 2. You have to over stock to spread out the aggression. The one inch rule doesn't apply to cichlids. I would say you need at least 20 fish. I have 55 gallon and only 8 fish at the moment. I plan on getting 15 or so.

 

[CatoeSc]

Does over-stocking make it tougher to keep the tank healthy?

 

[CameronCade]

I'm pretty new when it comes to keeping cichlids but I would think more fish more health problems. But I'm not sure. You can start out with one filter but as they grow you will need two filters because of the over stock and cichlids put out a lot of waste.

 

[dornblaser1]

yes, you have to overstock but if you cycle your tank for a bit before you add your fish you should be fine and your tank shouldnt crash personally i just set up my tank again this time i went budget but all out. i have a 75 gal. got an aquatop cf500uv canister filter 525gph, an aquatop ph16 powerhead, and just ordered a marineland maxijet pro 1200 so plenty of water flow and filtration. if you do africans stick to one type dont mix mbuna w/ peacocks,etc. unless its maybe a yellow lab which is not as agressive.

 

[CameronCade]

Either go with all mbunas or peacocks/ haps. Mbunas are smaller but more aggressive and peacocks and haps get big. 10 inches or so

 

[CatoeSc]

How do these guys do in a planted tank? I'd like to have a mix of rock (and/or driftwood) and or live plants.

 

[dornblaser1]

from my experience a few years ago you have to have potted plants and maybe put some rocks around the plants or they will dig them up personally in my tank set up now i just have washed play sand as a substrate a rock structure which i will be adding on to and fake plants which i siliconed into place you can get pretty real looking fake plants and they are a lot less work imo.

 

[CameronCade]

Everyone will say don't do live plants with cichlids. They will destroy them. I do have fake plants and my cichlids haven't touched them yet. You will need some rocks and drift wood would be alright too.

 

[dornblaser1]

some pics of my set up these were taken the day i added water a few weeks ago so pardon the cloudy water it is clear now

 

[CatoeSc]

Okay... All great advice. Now to some questions to really demonstrate what a beginner I am... How many of these guys should I put in a 60 gallon tank and should I use a sand or gravel substrate? Also should I try to get more in more quickly to prevent the fighting? I know with a normal tank I'd add two or three at a time, but based on what I'm learning about these guys, it seems that would give fewer fish more time to stake out territory to fight over.

 

[CameronCade]

Nice tank dorn. And cat, first off is your tank cycled? I personally started out with 6 in my 55 gal tank. I have 7 right now and plan on having 12-15. Which I've been told to put 20 fish in my 55 gallon tank but I'm not sure if I'm going to add that much. My 7 fish are juveniles and plus I have a lot of places for them to hide. They are two that control the tank and do some nipping/chasing. I do need more but the closest fish store is 50 minutes away so I don't get many opportunities to buy.

 

[dornblaser1]

alright i used to have a 72 with electric blue johanni and gravel but cichlids love to dig so thats why i used sand this time around, i felt it would be easier for them and personally i like the look the sand gave my tank. either way its a personal preference you can go to home depot and buy washed play sand or quickcrete gravel for cheap under 3 bucks for like a 50 lb bag vs pet stores like 40 bucks to get the amount you need. anyways for my 75 gal i am going to be doing 25-29 ciclids either demasoni and yellow labs or electric blue johanni and yellow labs with maybe one more type so prob for you 18-24 fish. right now i am cycling my tank with a cory cat which will go back into my ten gallon when i add my cichlids i am going to add them all at once expect maybe a couple of them die but hopefully not. just make sure you have a lot of filtration i only have $150.00 invested into my filter, media, and water pumps and an adequate heater, lighting is whatever you want as long as its fish only.


and thanks for the compliment cameron

 

[CatoeSc]

It will be cycled before adding... In planning stages now. Want to make sure I do this right. Trying to decide for site if I want a cichlid tank or a community tank.

 

[dornblaser1]

personally african cichlids are cooler than any other type of fish. my electric blues used to eat from my hand they are wicked smart fish. anyone can do a community tank imo but a cichlid tank can only be done right or you lose your fish.

and i dont like the fishless cycle to me it doesnt make sense i usually use one or two hardy fish and regular water changes until nitrate/nitrite/ and ammonia levels off

 

[ktomminello]

Tee hee

I would use marimo moss to "soften" the edges of your rock structure and make sure your plants are movable, as they will get rearranged, a driftwood cave and get an adult oscar!! A lot of times you can get them for free at mom and pop lfs' if they take them in when someone else decides they just want the fish gone..... That's just me, though, and my monster fish love.

 

[CatoeSc]

Dorn, thanks for the advice. Your tank does look great. Love to see pics when it's stocked, too. If i go non-African, can I use a bigger variety of cichlids?

 

[CameronCade]

I have a community tetra tank and cichlid tank. And by far I love my cichlids more. They have personalities. Very smart. They follow you. They recognize me as when I walk in the room they all come from the rocks to beg for food.

 

[dornblaser1]

africans are just because they are from africa the rift lakes. you can do lake malawi, lake tanganykia, lake victora and many sub groups like mbuna and peacocks for example there are probably a bunch of posts about african cichlids on this forum and ill forsure message you some pics probably in 3 or 4 weeks im waiting for tax return check to buy fish lol

 

[CameronCade]

This is my mbuna tank I'm currently working on stocking more fish