Problem with 55g cichlid tank

[kfh]

Eek, I didn't realize it was really that overstocked. I've been eyeing up this 90gal for a while, maybe I'll make a move on that sooner than I expected. Otherwise, anyone in/near Wisconsin know of a good place to get inexpensive tanks, or of any used ones for sale?

 

[liberator177]

animart in madison wisconsin has pretty cheap tanks, but were in wisconsin are you from?

 

[cornbread_5]

a 90 gal is that much of a difference , its footprint is that much better for the fish u have , you look into a 125 gal or bigger , the bigger then better same as filtration is concern to , the more the better

 

[zerelli]

I was always taught not to mix cichlids - you have african and american in the same tank. They require different water quality. I always use my dirty water from the water change to wash my filter media as if you use tap water it will kill the bacteria that live in the filter media, these bacteria are needed to break down harmful nitrates which should always be zero.
I am a novice myself but there are people on this site that will be able to give you better advice.
Good luck.

This is a myth. Central American and Rift Lake African Cichlids require the same type of water. South American fish tend to need soft water and that is the difference you have to watch out for. Central American and African cichlids do great in tanks together. I make this mix often. Your filter is not really adequate for the big fish you keep. I would suggest saving up for a canister or adding at least one more filter like you have now. Personally, I have a low opinion of Whisper filters. I prefer Marineland, specifically the bio-wheel filters, when I use a power filter. FOr canisters, I like the Hagen ones.

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

This is a myth. Central American and Rift Lake African Cichlids require the same type of water. South American fish tend to need soft water and that is the difference you have to watch out for. Central American and African cichlids do great in tanks together. I make this mix often. Your filter is not really adequate for the big fish you keep. I would suggest saving up for a canister or adding at least one more filter like you have now. Personally, I have a low opinion of Whisper filters. I prefer Marineland, specifically the bio-wheel filters, when I use a power filter. FOr canisters, I like the Hagen ones.

While you're right about the water conditions for the most part, a huge problem with mixing rift lake with most neotropicals is that Malawi mbuna in particular are herbivores, and these dietary requirements are the main reason I would not mix neotropicals with Malawi mbuna specifically (and this would apply to Tang cichlids liike Tropheus as well).
Theoretically, mixing something like haps with CA cichlids wouldn't be that bad, although I've never done so.