New cichlids aquarium

[Dyl1234]

I used to have a convict cichlid tank but switched over to saltwater(which I still have) but I am now wanting to get back into freshwater. I loved breeding the cichlids. So just looking for suggestions on the appropriate setup. Size of tank, (It has to be a taller than wide aquarium because the space I have for it is 47" wide.) gravel or sand, etc. I have about a $400 budget on the whole setup.


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[toddnbecka]

Another couple inches wide and you could set up a 75, which would greatly increase your stocking options. The issue with cichlids (or any territorial fish) is usually the size of their territory, which may or may not be in proportion to the size of the fish. Taller tanks don't give you more cichlid stocking space just because there's more water, Territories aren't generally vertical, though more water volume isn't a bad thing. There are a fair number of small to mid-size species that you can keep, spawn, and even raise some fry with in a 36" wide 30-45 gallon tank, most are CA or African cichlids.
Sand is easier to keep clean than gravel IME, pool filter sand is the best bet, it doesn't compact and form anaerobic pockets.