Cichlid Beginner

I have never kept cichlids before and I might be getting a cichlid tank later. I don’t know if I want to do an African cichlid tank or South/central American cichlid tank. The tank will be 30-55 gallons. Any advice is appreciated

 

The 55 gallon would be your best option, and depending on the type of cichlid you want determines stocking. A good starter are bolivian rams, which are easy to breed, get colorful, not too aggressive, and can be kept with multiple mating pairs with lots of hiding places.

 

I have never kept cichlids before and I might be getting a cichlid tank later. I don’t know if I want to do an African cichlid tank or South American cichlid tank. The tank will be 30-55 gallons. Any advice is appreciated

From my experience with african tanks, american tanks, and mixed tanks....yea I know....for a beginner an American tank is a smoother and easier transition....now cichlids in general are pretty easy but south American cichlids are much more hardy compared to Africans who can develop plenty of intestinal and bloat issues if not properly fed.....I'd go through some south American species like jack dempseys or convicts....maybe some more unique types if you want to spend a little more....you shouldnt have a problem having a pair of Jack's in a 55 or a small group of convicts....if you prefer Africans there are a few species that are pretty easy....one in particular is the pindani....I started with two in my 150 and a year and a half later I've got over 16 adults...it comes down to preference but Africans seem to be more aggressive and take more fiddling with to get a proper group established

 

AquaticJ is knowledgeable about cichlids.

Personally, I think the 55 gallon would be a better option and if you want to keep the budget beginner-friendly then maybe south American would be a better option for you. Africans seem to run pretty pricey, at least they do where I'm from. But that's just my opinion. Never forget to do your research about species and compatibility!

 

Jacks and convicts are Central American, not South.

I’m gunna throw you a curve ball and say you should do a 55 gallon Peacock Cichlid tank. Do not mix Mbuna with them, Peacocks only.

 

Jacks and convicts are Central American, not South.

Darn!....I always do that

 

What about blood parrots? I could probably have 3 or 4 in a 55, right? Or 1 in a 30.

 

Jacks and convicts are Central American, not South.

I’m gunna throw you a curve ball and say you should do a 55 gallon Peacock Cichlid tank. Do not mix Mbuna with them, Peacocks only.

You can mix them, it all comes down to the personality of your fish.
My cichlid community tank consists of pecocks Mbuna and kenyI all of which have been in the 55 since I day one and are all very much Happy and healthy.

It helps a lot if you introduce all fish at the same time and if you get them while they're adolescent.