I have been keeping fish for just over two years now but I have only kept tropical community fish and I am ready to try cichlids. I have a 55 gallon tank setup with a Rena xp3 filter and a Rena smart heater that I bought from a friend. After doing some research I have decided that I want to try Lake Malawi Africans or some smaller South American species. I do have a very nice aquatics store about 15 minutes away that carries large amounts of cichlids from both areas so availability of the fish is not a problem. I would like to get several opinions about several things. Which group is easier to breed, are there any larger schooling fish like giant danios that could be put with them, and which group will have the best personality. Also I would like to get some opinions on some good bottom feeders for each group. I know the synodontis species are good bottom feeders for the Malawi tanks because they can also stand the high pH levels. If I do Malawi cichlids I plan on trying the rock cichlids rather than the open area cichlids. Any information on these topics would be greatly appreciated.
Malawi or South American?
- Thread starter Plantedtank12
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What is the pH/hardness of your water? If it is high I would recommend starting out with Africans, if it is neutral or low you might want to start with SA cichlids.
I personally like SA these days, but when I used to be really into Africans - they both can be very cool.
Good luck with your decision!
I personally like SA these days, but when I used to be really into Africans - they both can be very cool.
Good luck with your decision!
I havn't set the tank up yet so therefore I don't have a pH or hardness, I'm trying to decide which environment to model the tank after since I plan on a biotope. But thank you anyway.
Plantedtank12;4742912; said:
I think he meant what pH is your water when it comes out of the tap. I recommend not to meddle with pH, because it is better to keep a fish that prefers alkaline water in soft, stable water, rather than in hard water prone to pH swings.
Thank you much especially xinchavoc I saw some convicts at my fish store today when I was buying some filter media and they look very active. Do you know if there are any bottom feeders that are compatible with them? They appeared to be pretty aggressive towards all the other cichlids in the tank.
A good, tried and true bottom feeder (rocks, plants, sides of the tank) that is compatible with Cichlids is a Bristlenose Pleco. They are pretty hard to beat.
This is only my opinion, but in general, it seems that the Malawis are a bit calmer and get along better. The SAs are a bit more flashy but a bit more agressive. Of course, there are exceptions...but in general, that's how I see it.
Have you looked into Lake Victorians? They aren't rare, but aren't as common as Malawis or SAs. Just a thought...
This is only my opinion, but in general, it seems that the Malawis are a bit calmer and get along better. The SAs are a bit more flashy but a bit more agressive. Of course, there are exceptions...but in general, that's how I see it.
Have you looked into Lake Victorians? They aren't rare, but aren't as common as Malawis or SAs. Just a thought...
Convicts are easy to breed, just add water.. They make rabbits jealous at the rate they reproduce. Mbunas are easy and very colorful Malawi cichlids, or Tanganyika shellies. For SA you can try Rams or apisto's and have a nice planted tank to go with them.
Thanks Darnell, I have a bristle nosed in my 18 but I wouldn't count them as a bottom feeder since they spend most of their time on the glass of the tank. Also I looked into the Victorians and my fish store does special order for no extra price so I might try that, thank you much. Also thank you to Gator for more info on convicts. My uncle is also a fish keeper and went through 7 generations of convicts.