Which would be a better starter cichlid?

[brown_snake]

I'm not sure, Mate....I don't keep fish and crustaceans in the same tanks. I like to keep the orders separate - fish with fish, reptiles w/ reptiles, amphibians w/ amphibians ....etc. I won't even keep African Clawed frogs w/ fish tbh. Have you guys considered just doing an incredibly pimped-out Invertebrate tank separately?........

Sounds like good advice. I'm going to pass it on to him and tell him and crustaceans and cichlids just don't get along all that well with each other.

 

[Frank Castle]

Sounds like good advice. I'm going to pass it on to him and tell him and crustaceans and cichlids just don't get along all that well with each other.

they could eat each other, depending on which one is bigger and/or carnivorous

 

[Maritimer]

Do they get along with other dwarf cichlids and crustaceans like amano shrimp? Would really appreciate your insight. Thanks

I suspect they would get along with other dwarf cichlids because they get along fine with the angels and coreys but that would depend on the other cichlids as well but that is just a guess I also think they would prey on any shrimp like any cichlid they are pretty voracious eaters but again that is an opinion because I have no experience with either.

 

[xraycer]

Looks like general opinion seems to favour the rainbow. How are they personality wise? He dosen't want anything that's too rambunctious. Again, thanks.

IME while they are not particularly shy, but they aren't very personable either. Typically, they are mild manner and pretty mellow in regards to activeness. Of course this changes should they breed.

 

[japbart]

I've kept both and I would choose the rainbow over the ram. Very hardy and don't require much space. Although I did keep them in a 55g with Rams. They coexisted peacefully. Never bothered anybody and great breeding colors. If you can get rainbows go for it. If not then I'll go with the Bolivians. Rainbows are not common here in SoCal for some reason.