Starting up old 36 gallon bowfront

[sobersteve323]

I'm looking to start up an old 36 gallon bowfront as a small cichlid tank. I know the size will limit me but are there any small species that would thrive in a tank that size? Species only is okay with me too... Not aggressive preferably.

I would strictly be repurposing old equipment I have. Also my water pH usually 7.4-.8 so would it be easier to have some African species (Id also prefer to go with higher pH but not a necessity)?

Equipment:
36 gallon bowfront
Filter: 2 HOB; Tetra Whisper (#?) And Top Fin 60
Pool filter sand
New heater

Thanks for suggestions

Edit: For clarity.

 

[kdpuffer]

I would suggest shell dwellers, if you can get drift wood and put some peat moss in your filter to drop the ph you could get rams.

 

[sobersteve323]

I see on liveaquaria that keyhole cichlids have a minimum recommended size of 30 gallons. How many would fit into that 30 gallons?

 

[kdpuffer]

I would say only one, you could do a pair of rams though. Given the footprint of the tank I wouldnt recommend any more than that. As far as shellies I am unfamiliar with them other than they can be kept in smaller tanks. Perhaps someone can supply more info on them.