[gema]

I have a odd shaped 36 gal (60 x 12 x 12") which I was planning a community but my husband thinks all of those fish are boring and wants cichlids, he specifically likes the yellow labs. Is this possible? Not really interested in shellies.

Would it be possible to have yellow labs and another bright colored speciessuch as pseudotropheus acei? How many of each etc.

I would love some species suggestions, he really wants something brightly colored

Sorry I don't no much about cichlids but have 4 planted tanks already.

 

[Tazman]

Generally cichlids require a tank of at least a 40g breeder or bigger.

The thing that worries me here, is the width and depth dimensions, this does not give a lot of real estate for the fish. The length is good.

Personally I would say no cichlids in this tank, the reason being is as mentioned above and also the fact cichlids are aggressive compared to other fish. A group of yellow labs in 1 male to 4 female with a bottom dweller such as a BristleNose Pleco or Synodontis Multipunctus would possibly work, not the acei as well as they get to around 4-6 inches in length.

You could possibly look at the smaller shell dweller cichlids such as geophagus and apistogramma.

Hope this helps.

 

[BWG]

You could possibly look at the smaller shell dweller cichlids such as geophagus and apistogramma.

Those aren't shell dwellers. Apistos and other dwarf cichlids could work instead of Africans if it's a softer water tank. Not so sure about the Geophagus though. Only a few species are of a size that a group would fit in a tank that size (like G. parnaibae and G. sp 'Pindare'). They need pretty pristine water too, so the overall tank size might still be a detriment.

 

[Tazman]

Meant to say Neolamprogus, thinking and typing the wrong info.

What are your parameters from the tap / faucet?, this will determine what you can ultmately keep without too much messing with the water chemistry.