First Timer 30 Gallon Tank

[Rakie]

So less say I keep cichlids. If they're kind of aggressive, how do I add new fish to the tank later? Wouldn't the big ones eat the little ones? You said they're "worth it"? Is there any other troubles I should know about them?

Just read the african section, read the SA/CA section as well, you'll not be able to keep most of the SA/CA cichlids, but you can learn how they act.

Generally, the best bet is to buy small cichlids and let them grow up together, if a tank is established with several big fish, you're not going to be adding baby fish, they will usually just get eaten.

Aside from that they may fight over territory, mating, or a number of things. If you've ever seen "The dog whisperer" that's kinda how a cichlid community is. Loosely interpreted at least.

But I think the colors / attitudes / personalities make them worth the little hassles which can be avoided with some basic understanding of how these fish work.

Just read up and use the search as much as you can, you can never learn enough.

 

[Biggfeast]

Make sure you get your tank running a few days early to let it cycle through, and get some treatment products to turn tap water safe.

When i began I just had a 10 gallon with gravel and a filter and heater. i added some plastic plants later on
As far as fish go.... Im a CA/SA cichlid fan, so I would just get a nice cichlid and use the 30 as a grow out tank while the fish is young lol... ofcourse youll be needing a bigger tank in a few months, but like its been stated earlier.. its addicitng and youll probably love it... if not then go get some small fish, about 2 inches per gallon.. so maybe 10-15 small fish??