CA/SA Cihlid N00b

[Wiggles92]

I'm interested in making a CA or SA cichlid tank out of my 55 gallon (48"x12"x19" [LxWxH]).

What kind of layout should I go with since I am terrible with plants, but I have a surplus of sandstone for making caves and other rock features?

 

[all_or_nothin]

I may be wrong but dont mbunas love to have a bunch of caves?

 

[Wiggles92]

I may be wrong but dont mbunas love to have a bunch of caves?

Mbunas love caves, but they are African Cichlids as far as I know. I'm going with Central American or South American cichlids because they have cool colors, and I have soft water.

 

[fishluvr12]

Large rocks and drift wood.Ca/SA ussually dig and re-arrange the decor

 

[Wiggles92]

Ok, sounds good. Should I have some small gravel for them to dig in so they may decide to leave the other stuff decor alone?

 

[GTbEaSt]

with a 55g community make sure to stock with medium size cichlids...

 

[Wiggles92]

Ok, I'll remember the thing about the size. I plan on ordering a surprise box from fishfarm, so the fish should be pretty well matched to each other and the tank.

 

[Pyramid_Party]

I have a tank like this now, same size too 55 gallon. I just have gravel, a few rock/cave structures and a piece of driftwood. I may plan to add some floating plants though.

Stock is:

1 Firemouth
1 Blue acara
1 Rainbow cichlid
1 Sajica


I also have 2 Jaguar catfish with them. Its a perfect tank for me, all fish get along great, all look nice too. If you wanna add plants dont get too crazy with it. Just add a few, and add cheap ones too.


Sand or gravel depending what you like, make about 2 inches atleast. My fish dont dig at all.

 

[Eric A]

If I was in your position i'd probably go with a surprise box. He'd definantly know what can and can't go in a 55g together, and he'll probably hook you up with some pretty cool fish.

Aquascape the tank with fine gravel or sand. I always think sand looks better with CA and SA cichlids than any other substrate. I suppose you could use the sandstone clumps, but only if they are CA cichlids. SA cichlids prefer slightly acidic and soft water. Sand stone will make the water a tad harder, and a little alkaline. Driftwood works good with cichlids too, being great to hide in, looking 100% natural, and too heavy for them to shove around at will.

Plants are only found rarely in the wild habitats of CA and SA cichlids, so your in the cool in that department. If anything, a bunch of Val for CA or a lone Swordplant for SA.

Hope that helps a little bit, Eric.

 

[Loves severums]

I have a tank like this now, same size too 55 gallon. I just have gravel, a few rock/cave structures and a piece of driftwood. I may plan to add some floating plants though.

Stock is:

1 Firemouth
1 Blue acara
1 Rainbow cichlid


1 Sajica


I also have 2 Jaguar catfish with them. Its a perfect tank for me, all fish get along great, all look nice too. If you wanna add plants dont get too crazy with it. Just add a few, and add cheap ones too.


Sand or gravel depending what you like, make about 2 inches atleast. My fish dont dig at all.

I think this stock would be cool for a 55 gallon u should try it Wiggles92.