would you say that the personality of the cichlids would make up for the setup being rocks only?There are many species of cichlids. And, generally, I don't find them boring at all. Many cichlids have interesting behaviors and social dynamics to watch. African rift lake cichlids are no exception.
If you want plants and African rift lake cichlids, that's a bit tricky to pull off, but totally doable. Here is a planted Malawi cichlid tank I've always been impressed by. It was created years ago by Travis Simpson.
do you think fake plants would work well with cichlids or would it look rather odd?I hear great things about how interesting Multis are to watch- I don’t think you’d miss the plants!
would you recommend 6-10 cichlids or 3 fancy goldfish for a 40 gallon?For me, no. The cichlids have so much personality and so many varied behaviors that they themselves already offer me endless enjoyment.
I would definitely say so, but it’s up to individual opinion. If you want loads of personality in a plant-friendly fish, I’d suggest pea puffers.would you say that the personality of the cichlids would make up for the setup being rocks only?
I think fake plants always look odd.do you think fake plants would work well with cichlids or would it look rather odd?
For me, no. I like my plants. But, there are plenty of non-rift lake cichlids that can be kept more easily with plants. Fishes like kribensis, apistogramma, keyhole cichlids, etc., etc. This way, you can more easily have both.would you say that the personality of the cichlids would make up for the setup being rocks only?
6-10 cichlids absolutely!would you recommend 6-10 cichlids or 3 fancy goldfish for a 40 gallon?
those are my top two choices as of now and I'm trying to decide and am hoping to get some opinions from others.
Completely depends on the cichlids! If you mean Malawi cichlids (What people know as "african cichlids", Mbuna, Peacocks, Haps) for sure are NOT advisable for a tank in that range, because of their aggression potential and territorial behaviour.would you recommend 6-10 cichlids or 3 fancy goldfish for a 40 gallon?
those are my top two choices as of now and I'm trying to decide and am hoping to get some opinions from others.
a 40 gallon would end in a bloodbath with mbunas?Completely depends on the cichlids! If you mean Malawi cichlids (What people know as "african cichlids", Mbuna, Peacocks, Haps) for sure are NOT advisable for a tank in that range, because of their aggression potential and territorial behaviour.
For Malawi cichlids I'd recommend nothing smaller than a tank of 150x40x40cm absolute minimum. I have a bad conscience saying 120x60x60 can work for a single small species and 8-10 individuals.
What makes setups with only rocks "boring" is when people try to safe money on rocks buying too small, too few or simply ugly chunks of rocks and end up with a tank that looks like a sales tank at a store.
I'm not a goldfish fan at all, but for a 40 gallon tank, do the goldfish. At least that won't end in a bloodbath.
And to many here: Honestly, if you have (and sorry to say so, it shows in this thread!) no experience with "African cichlids" PLEASE do not give any recommendations!
If you want cichlids and plants, go South American or West/Central African instead of Rift Lakes (Malawi, Tanganyika, Victoria).
Yes. When I bred Rift Lake cichlids (pretty much all the 1990s) 40 gallon was a growout tank, not a longterm keeping display tank. You've been advised poorly on tank size.a 40 gallon would end in a bloodbath with mbunas?
I second this- African cichlids need plenty of room. You might try South American cichlids, or, like I said, multis.Yes. When I bred Rift Lake cichlids (pretty much all the 1990s) 40 gallon was a growout tank, not a longterm keeping display tank. You've been advised poorly on tank size.
ah i cant upgrade now unfortunately, i may reconsider but thank you for your advice!I second this- African cichlids need plenty of room. You might try South American cichlids, or, like I said, multis.
But your heart seems pretty set on these rift lake cichlids- why not just upgrade to the needed tank size?
ah yes i do think i have been, thank you so much for your advice and for steering me in the right direction!Yes. When I bred Rift Lake cichlids (pretty much all the 1990s) 40 gallon was a growout tank, not a longterm keeping display tank. You've been advised poorly on tank size.