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african cichlid tank

6K views 14 replies 4 participants last post by  derbyno1 
#1 ·
i am thinking of setting up a 50 gallon african cichlid tank. not sure what fish to put in yet as i dont have any exspeiernce in this area. i have 2 green severums would they be ok with the african chuicled tank.

any help will be apreciated
 
#4 ·
Having been the keeper of many African cichlid tanks in my life and as many tanks as there are species, I think, I have found that the term "peaceful" is relative. I have, and have kept Malawian, Tanganyikan, now Victorains(my latest venture), and riverines, as well as South Americans, for more than 25 years and have found that cichlids will be cichlids. They are pugnacious, full of personality, and sometimes downright ruthless. The best suggestion that I can give someone who wants to begin keeping cichlids are: (A) jam the tank full of fish and filter in excess. "Turning" the tank over 30+ times per hour would not be an excess. (B) Have many hospital tanks at the ready. If you have any questions you may pm me or we can chat together in the chatroom when we both are there. Good luck and............CICHLIDS RULE. :BIGcool:
 
#7 ·
derbyno1 said:
also what catfish or bottem dwellers would be able to go into the tank with the reef chichlid tank.
Synodontis species. Avoid plecs in this case.
 
#10 ·
derbyno1 said:
also i really like birchirs would they be ok with the african cichlids
No. African cichlids and bichirs share the same level (bottom). The bichir will be beaten to death by the territorial behavior of the African cichlids.
 
#12 ·
The substrate tht I use in my cichlid tanks is crushed coral or some other sustrate that would tend to keep the pH to the high side(7.0-8.6) depending upon the fish. If the lfs sells fish that are bred by local breeders, I use a gravel that is neutral, usually red or black flint or a blend thereof. If the fish are wild caught, or delivered from their suppliers, I will choose a substrate that is more compatible with the area they came from. This also applies to F1's. Many African cichlids do prefer a higher pH. I also filter over a high alkaline substance, like crushed coral to help maintain a higher pH.
 
#13 ·
Finally got my first couple of fish for my tank. they are a 2 lemon cichlid(Neolamprologus leleupi) and a 2 Lamprologus tretacephaleus. i wanted a eletric yellow lab but there was none there, also i released that they were from the malawi lake and the fish i brought to day are from Lake Tanganyika. would i be able to get a yellow lab later.
 
#14 ·
derbyno1 said:
would i be able to get a yellow lab later.
No. Stick with the Lake Tanganyikans since you already have them. You can't mix both species.
 
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