First Timer's 55 Gallon Tank - Going African..

[i pee in the sea]

Hi all,
Long time lurker/first time poster here.

Let's just say that this is forum is a great source, and even though I've never posted before I've spent hours and hours looking at pictures and studying different fish info.

I've newly acquired a 55G tank, and it's getting delivered next Tuesday.
Here's the picture of it.

I'll be honest. I thought African Cichlids were the last things I wanted.
I initially wanted a Fahaka puffer, but being a student and all I don't really have a room for it. Then I thought about a GT/Convict mix, but decided to get some bright coloured Malawi cichlids instead..

I'm going to cycle it the night of delivery. It's coming with a Marineworld 350B filter, 200 watt heater, a water pump, etc.
The driftwood was not included in the deal, and I know that it lowers the pH anyways and could potentially put acid in the water or something.

I really want some bright coloured fish, how many do you think I can house?
I know that overstocking is almost recommended with AC, I'm thinking around 10 juveniles.

Thinking of putting up a black background with Tahitian Moon sand.
I know this substrate does not buffer water, but I've yet to figure out the pH level of tapwater in Toronto.. Do you think it'll be too black? I just want the colours to stand out.

Anyhow, I will post pictures as things progress.
Let me know what bright coloured Malawi cichlid combinations that you would recommend.
I will most definitely need help, and I guess I will ask here.

 

[sostoudt]

cool that you joined

i dont know about the black sand though, i dont really think it looks well with cichlids but i guess it all about the rock choice.


perhaps a Metriaclima emmiltos

 

[Fishdude401]

Sounds good!

Fish i recommend:
Labidochromis caeruleus
Nimbochromis venustus
Pseudotropheus Acei
Labidochromis "Hong"
Pseudotropheus Crabro ( very aggressive, only get females )

For a 55g, i recommend a max. of 12-15, and that's pushing it still.

With Africans, you really want to get only 1 male of each species, with several females.

Good luck!!!

 

[superleggera123]

your in toronto too NICE!
NO FEMALES bro
avoid them
the cause massive aggression

 

[i pee in the sea]

cool that you joined

i dont know about the black sand though, i dont really think it looks well with cichlids but i guess it all about the rock choice.


perhaps a Metriaclima emmiltos

The Red Top Zebra looks amazing.
I really like the Red Zebras too though, nice and orange.. do they think they will get along?

 

[i pee in the sea]

Kind of torn whether I want all males or want some spawning action going on.
I definitely do think the males are nicer looking, but I know that the day I see some eggs hatching .. well it'd be nice.

So far I think I want Electric Yellows, Red Zebras/Red Top Zebras, Moorii and Tretocephalus.

 

[i pee in the sea]

your in toronto too NICE!
NO FEMALES bro
avoid them
the cause massive aggression

Hey, yes!
I don't mean to spam my own thread, but which LFS do you go to?
I go to Menagerie for my other pets, but I know their fish department is just sort of revamping right now.

 

[Fishdude401]

Kind of torn whether I want all males or want some spawning action going on.
I definitely do think the males are nicer looking, but I know that the day I see some eggs hatching .. well it'd be nice.

So far I think I want Electric Yellows, Red Zebras/Red Top Zebras, Moorii and Tretocephalus.

Nice choices

 

[sostoudt]

The Red Top Zebra looks amazing.
I really like the Red Zebras too though, nice and orange.. do they think they will get along?

no clue but i would assume so if theres enough hiding places it would be ok.

 

[Otherone]

Sounds good!

Fish i recommend:
Labidochromis caeruleus
Nimbochromis venustus
Pseudotropheus Acei
Labidochromis "Hong"
Pseudotropheus Crabro ( very aggressive, only get females )

For a 55g, i recommend a max. of 12-15, and that's pushing it still.

With Africans, you really want to get only 1 male of each species, with several females.

Good luck!!!

In 55 gal I wouldn't recommend this stock list. My Carbo and Venustus are both @ around 8" in less than 2 years. It's also gonna be extremely hard to sex the carbo's as juvi's. My male took a year before he started showing his blackness. I'd go with small mbunas or tangs but would highly recommened checking into Victorians for 55gal.