African Cichlids

[ScuabaDuba]

I have been keeping tropical fish for years, and maintain a ten-gallon community tank. I am looking to start an African Cichlid tank. I have a 5 gallon tank that is currently unused...would that be suitable? What steps should I take? How many specimens would you say could live in it?

Thank you!

 

[gixer]

its far too small for any africans. even shell dwellers need a bigger tank than that....sorry.

 

[jumpman]

No cichlid can live in a five gallon tank. You need to look at 20g minimum to start for small cichlids, as even these need space to claim territory.

Have you considered a larger tank?

 

[Snowie]

I agree invest in a big tank 50 gallon or more. It's not that expensive if you concider the number of fish you can keep.

 

[ScuabaDuba]

Yea, I figured that may be the case. I have no problem purchasing a larger tank...probably 25 or 50 gallons....suggestions on setup and the ilk?

Thanks guys!!!

 

[gixer]

go for a long tank rather than tall.. a four foot or bigger is ideal...lots of rocks etc.. best filtration you can afford.. preferably a large canister filter or two.

when you say africans, are you talking malawi or tangs?
if so. let us know you water harness, ph etc.

 

[ScuabaDuba]

I am not knowledgable of the difference between the two types....I have not set the tank up yet, so hardness and ph are unavail.

Is there a benefit to keeping one over the other?

Thanks.

 

[gixer]

totally depends what you want... i mean how hard is your tap water...will help on set up etc..