Always wanted Chiclids "set up tank " need advice

[-Die4U-]

55 gallon 1 top filter 1 canister lots of water movement buddy had chiclids in it . Cycled and ready for fish any advice on what would be best . How many etc... just found this web site . Going to read forums now I'm probably not the first to ask this ? SORRY . Just wanted an expert to see my tank and tell me if this is setup good for chiclids and there advice thanks

 

[-Die4U-]

Here's my 90 gallon

 

[deeda]

Hi Brian, nice tank set up!!

How long has the 55G tank been set up and how did you cycle it? Post your test results for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH please.

Which type of cichlids are you considering for this tank? South/Central America, Malawi, Tanganyika or something else?

 

[-Die4U-]

Hi Brian, nice tank set up!!

How long has the 55G tank been set up and how did you cycle it? Post your test results for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH please.

Which type of cichlids are you considering for this tank? South/Central America, Malawi, Tanganyika or something else?

It's been about 3 days now I've been adding a product called Seed everyday . The local fish store told me it would be good in a day. I know the longer you wait to add fish the better right ? I am very new to having fish tanks . I got my 90 first always heard the bigger the better . Just added 2 filter to that one . Goldfish are dirty plus there feed once a day . My buddy sold me his 55 and everything for it . Still had sand in it aleast I think it sand seems lighter could it be little sea shells ? Or some kind of special sand for chiclids ? I only have strips to test the water . Would using those be ok ? I set the heater at 82 . As for what kind . Not sure. I like the bright colored ones lol I saw some very bright orange ones at the store today the guy said they were doith American. They looked like about 2.5 inches . I'm really itching to get some fish on that tank but dont want to rush it and screw up lol thanks for any advice

 

[james99]

I would buy a liquid test kit, alot of people say the strips aren't accurate, I've always used the liquid test. Any idea of your water hardness or pH? This would help find fish that are suitable for your water. I wouldn't stock anything over 6" in a 55, but there's still a ton of options from all over the world. It may help to put together a list of fish that you like and with your water parameters we can help pick out the best fit. The link below has profiles and pictures you can look through.

https://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/

 

[The Morning]

My concern for the decor of the cichlid tank is the rock work. If those pieces are siliconed together you will probably be ok. Cichlids will dig into the substrate and usually it will be at the base of the lowest rocks. If they shift The rocks I would hate to see all of the rock work come crashing down.

 

[duanes]

Since there are over 2,000 species of cichlids world wide, just using the term cichlid will is bit little vague.
There are cichlids that only get 2+" , there are some that get 3 ft long.
There are cichlids that like hard mineral rich water (rift lake type) there are those that only do we in soft mineral poor water (some Amazonian species).
There are some that need to be crowded, some that need to live alone.
Most African rift lake cichlids will work in your 55 if they only grow to the 5" range, and do well if in groups, but randomly tossing some together, can result in death for some, and not others.