New 60gal and at keeping cichlids

[Beardo86]

Hello, new to this site and hobby. Planning on getting African Cichlids. Currently in week 2 of a fish-less cycle.
Set up is as follows:
60 gallon tank
Fluval 306 Canister Filter
Emperor 400 Bio-Wheel
Fusion 500 Air Pump with 48" bubble hose
60 Lbs of CaribSea Eco-Complete
ViaAqua 300-Watt Heater
10 Ceramic Rock Caves
Standard Marineland Hood With Florescent Lights.
Any suggestions on how many African Cichlids I can stock in this set up and what type of live plants should I get?

 

[silllywilly86]

I've kept up to 20 Africans in my 75 and they did great. Not sure on plants. And a question for you. Where did you get the caves? I really like those

 

[Beardo86]

Got the caves from Amazon. Under Water Galleries for about $70 with free Prime shipping

 

[silllywilly86]

Thank you

 

[Andrew McFadden]

to AA!

This article will show you stocking along with many other things. It is broke down to tank sizes. http://www.aquariumadvice.com/lake-malawi-mbuna-stocking-dcor-hardware/

Plants are normally a no go for most of us but very few get away with it.

 

[Malawimaddness]

As far as plants I have always been able to get away with java ferns and Val's if u add them when the fish are small they get used to having plants in the tank with them and don't really bother them

 

[Malawimaddness]

As far as plants I have always been able to get away with java ferns and Val's if u add them when the fish are small they get used to having plants in the tank with them and don't really bother them

Here are a few pics of the plants in my tank

 

[Beardo86]

Thanks for the tips. That's an amazing background btw