My First Tank...

[sumocopter]

...well kind of.
 
I have kept american cichlids and bettas for years, along with all sorts of community tanks of different sizes - I would now like to take my first steps into Africans.
 
I have a Juwel Trigon 190 which is currently bare so can do whatever I like.  I'm totally new to these fish so would welcome any stocking advice, any golden rules or general pointers so I give these guys a happy harmonious home.
 
Thanks for your help!
 
Sumo

 

[leah2296]

I've kept African for years and I'm still learning! They are great fish with lots of personality but they need the right set up to reduce aggression.
 
IMO, you should choose a lake and stock your tank just with cichlids from that lake. My cichlids are all from Lake Malawi with the exception of two jewel cichlids. I rescued the jewel cichlids from a friend's tank but I realize they would be happier with different tank mates.
 
Cichlids like a high pH with lots of rock hiding spots. I learned a ton and got some awesome rockscaping ideas from this website:
http/fish-etc.com/aquascaping-main/set-up-and-aquascape-a-cichlid-habitat
I wish I had read it when I set up my first African tank.
 
A juwel trigon 190 is a corner tank, right? If I am not mistaken, I believe it's about 50 gallons. Your cichlids will do much better off in a long tank - ideally 4 ft long or more. They need lots of swimming and hiding spaces.