How many cichlids in a 36 gal

[Nick2e12]

Hey there, I am new to all this and I have been doing my research on how to start a new tank. But the one thing I had trouble finding was how many cichlids I can put in my 36 gallon tank. Please help!

[Fishanatic]

What type of cichlids? Some need more then others, depending on they're size.

[Nick2e12]

I'm gonna do African cichlids

[AfricanCichlidOwner]

There are a few types of Africans lol.

[Nick2e12]

Yeah I know that haha. But I just need a general estimate of how many.

[Fishanatic]

Not too much. If you're looking at a smaller variety, I have heard they don't do too well in pairs, and it would be good to keep at least 3. But it still depends what type of African you want. Some are small, some big with different aggressiveness levels.
You would need a very good filters as they tend to be messy, and a good series of water changes.
I heard you can get a maximum of 6 in a 30-40 gallon tank, and would need a powerful filter(around 5-10 times the load) and a lot of water changes. Give me the species you want, and i can determine for you how many you would need to avoid territorial or pair disputes.

[Fishanatic]

Originally Posted by AfricanCichlidOwner

There are a few types of Africans lol.

I think there's around 500-1000 species of them.

[AfricanCichlidOwner]

I think the mbunas are nice, the peacocks are beautiful. It all just depends what kind you'd like.

[Fishanatic]

I have a convict. I like it. It isn't an African cichlid though(I think:/).

[Fishbay]

You can probably get 8 as long as they are about 5in

[Fishanatic]

Originally Posted by Fishbay

You can probably get 8 as long as they are about 5in

No, not with a 36 gallon tank. What you're telling him is to overstock the tank at it's maximum capacity. If you get 8 at 5'', then you would need a filter that can filter over 10 times the payload, with water changes every day/Other day.
Cichlids are dirty fish, and need room to swim and hide.
I suggest at most 6, if not 3 is fine.

[Fishbay]

I suppose but by the inch a gal rule u could get 7 correct

[Fishbay]

Originally Posted by Fishanatic

No, not with a 36 gallon tank. What you're telling him is to overstock the tank at it's maximum capacity. If you get 8 at 5'', then you would need a filter that can filter over 10 times the payload, with water changes every day/Other day.
Cichlids are dirty fish, and need room to swim and hide.
I suggest at most 6, if not 3 is fine.

Don't you think that three is not enough to fill a tank especially for one who wants to enjoy the fish plus with only three they will be much more aggressive

[CharlieKlein]

Well lets see here. In a 36 gallon you can have 0 African cichlids. Minimum is 55 gallonsfor them. Inch per gallon isn't correct at all. Of you want cichlids look into a pair of German rams. You could do them, some Cory's, some rumynose tetras, and an anglefish. Please, if you aren't positive your advice is correct, don't give it. You coul say "have some others back me up" or "I'm not sure..." But don't give incorrect advice

[Fishanatic]

Originally Posted by Fishbay

Don't you think that three is not enough to fill a tank especially for one who wants to enjoy the fish plus with only three they will be much more aggressive

Not really. If you get 2 of them, they will not thrive, unless they pair. Much rather get 1 instead of 6. They will not be more aggressive at all with 3, they will be much more aggressive at 6, why? because of territorial disputes. I really wouldn't understand why you would put that much fish in that small tank.

[Fishanatic]

Originally Posted by CharlieKlein

Well lets see here. In a 36 gallon you can have 0 African cichlids. Minimum is 55 gallonsfor them. Inch per gallon isn't correct at all. Of you want cichlids look into a pair of German rams. You could do them, some Cory's, some rumynose tetras, and an anglefish. Please, if you aren't positive your advice is correct, don't give it. You coul say "have some others back me up" or "I'm not sure..." But don't give incorrect advice

+1
Also, If you put 7 in a 36 gallon tank, i suppose it would be like putting 1 Oscar in a 2 gallon tank. It will pollute the water in a matter of time and will be extremely hard to maintain.

[Fishbay]

That makes sense

[CharlieKlein]

No Africans. Look at dwarf cichlids. Rams, keyholes, angles, kribs, and apistos

[Fishanatic]

Originally Posted by CharlieKlein

No Africans. Look at dwarf cichlids. Rams, keyholes, angles, kribs, and apistos

Maybe convicts?

[CharlieKlein]

Yeah but not many possible tank mates