55 gal. African Cichlid tank suggestions

[EMS503]

I have a 55 gal. community tank at work that I am slowly phasing the fish out of . I would like to put small to medium African Cichlids in.
The fish that would be remaining would be two clown loaches and one pleco. This tank has a 3" medium natural gravel base with some driftwood and Java fern. I will put in rocks to make caves. Filtration is an 404 fluval cannister, Lighting has been done with two 15" Triton bulbs, also the tank has an air pump for bubbles(just for looks). This tank has been running for approx. 3 years. I do not want anything big like Oscars or super aggressive fish. Also I am not interested in mating these fish. I just want a peaceful, colorful tank. Any suggestions in type of Cichlids and setup needs would be appreciated.

 

[mulron]

Only minor thing is Cichlids are a little more aggresive in nature. So calm is going to be hard to get. I'll try and come up with a few things for ya. Just need time to think.

 

[Somethingfishy]

You could get some:
Electric Yellows:
http://www.fishprofiles.com/profiles/fw/cichlids/electricyellow.asp

Blue Mbunas:
http://www.fishprofiles.com/profiles/fw/cichlids/fuelleborni.asp

Firebird Peacock (slighty aggressive):
http://www.fishprofiles.com/profiles/fw/cichlids/peacock.asp

Grants Peacock:
http://www.fishprofiles.com/profiles/fw/cichlids/grants.asp

To a point all cichlids are aggressive. Good luck on your choice.

 

[fishstixs05]

78 degrees F
pH at 8.2
Rock Dwellers: 1 male 2 female Julidochromis transcriptus (The Masked Julie)
http://www.gcca.net/index.htm?content=/fom/Julidochromis_transcriptus.htm
Shell Dwellers: 1 male 3 female Neolamprologus multifasciatus (Multis)
http://www.theaquarians.net/ArticlesandWallpapers/multifasciatus.htm
Open water fish: 2 male 8 female Cyprichromis leptosoma (Sardine cCichlid, Blue Flash,Black –finned Slender Cichlid, etc.)
http://www.tanganyikan-cichlids.co.uk/Articles/Piccl.htm
Plants: Anubis barteri, Java fern
Substrate: sand
I have heard of a person who had a tank like this, and all of these fish are completely compatible. Give an area on sand with plenty of shells for the Multis, and they will produce countless batches of fry.

This Will Work And Look Beautiful!

Yours Truly,
Fishstixs05

P.S. I think that your other fish may get alog with these, but they probably want appreciate the high pH.

 

[michealprater]

I would recommend a pair of leilupis, brashardis, and electric blue ahlis.