Cichlid Questions

[dirty332]

Sorry if this is in the wronge forum
Ok i was wondering if these would be good for 55 gallon tank how many could i put in there? (Im not to educated yet im going to research right now) But do they need salt and all that? What PH leveles do they like same a freshwater?
Thanx

 

[dirty332]

Ok never mind about salt and the Ph i got that down but generaly how many Cichlids could be in a 55 gal tank? Is it the rugular rule an inch per gallon and swiming space? I think im going to go with Mbuna's because i like the way the sand and rocks look in tanks ive seen.

 

[thecichlidaddict]

All you want is the Red Tops? That's cool, very nice fish.

Look at about 15 total for your tank. PH isn't as important as people think. Anything on the more alkaline side will do. 7.5 to 8.2 is just about perfect, and a little lower or higher is fine too. KH the higher the better for buffering. GH doesn't matter at all. Nevermind 1 inch per gallon rules, they are useless - every fish is different. Don't forget that you may have as little as 30 gallons of water left by the time you get the rocks and sand in the tank.