Good facts on keeping African cichlids?

I am interested in African cichlids and thinking of keeping them. I did some research on them and there seems to be many different species. So this is what I learned so far and hopefully other people will add on to this list.
- A good beginner size tank for them is around 50 to 60 gallons
- Sand substrate is preferred
- Not a good idea to mix different species from different lakes and don't keep other fish then African Cichlids
- No plants most of the time
- Rocks and lots of caves. Put rocks on the glass
- High ph 7.4 to 8.2
- A.C have a big bio load so filtration and good turnover is important
- People sometimes overstock their tank to ease aggression
- Aggressive so tank mates have to be chosen wisely
- Don't use high protein foods because they will "bloat"

Hopefully other people can add a few more points. Also, has anyone ever tried an all male show tank is this hard to do?

 

I am interested in African cichlids and thinking of keeping them. I did some research on them and there seems to be many different species. So this is what I learned so far and hopefully other people will add on to this list.
- A good beginner size tank for them is around 50 to 60 gallons
- Sand substrate is preferred
- Not a good idea to mix different species from different lakes and don't keep other fish then African Cichlids
- No plants most of the time
- Rocks and lots of caves
- High ph 7.4 to 8.2
- A.C have a big bio load so filtration and good turnover is important
- People sometimes overstock their tank to ease aggression
- Aggressive so tank mates have to be chosen wisely
- Don't use high protein foods because they will "bloat"

Hopefully other people can add a few more points. Also, has anyone ever tried an all male show tank is this hard to do?

in simple terms, yep, that pretty much covers it. All male Species can and have been done, is it hard? I guess it depends on what you consider hard. it takes research in determining which species of males. I wouldn't recommend for the beginner.
just to clarify, when you say species, your speaking of Mbuna, Peacocks, victorians, haps. important to understand that if for instance you choose Mbuna. then within that species, not all fish will get along together. for instance the Mbuna Bumble bee will be hard pressed to get along with any other Mbuna.
and of course we are speaking when they become adults. this is when their true aggression comes out.

 

Ya I know the lakes, what are some good lake MalawI species. What would be some good species to start off with? Could I try peacocks too?

 

Ya I know the lakes, what are some good lake MalawI species. What would be some good species to start off with? Could I try peacocks too?

Malawis and peacocks cannot be kept together (I don't think that's what you were implying, but just to clarify!). I think peacocks would be a great starter cichlid, because they are less aggressive than other africans and are still a lot of fun!

 

Yep that's a good, basic list. I'll just add in some of my own personal experiences since I prefer keeping bottom feeders and plants in with my cichlids and I think other people might too.

- Not a good idea to mix different species from different lakes and don't keep other fish then African Cichlids

I've found that some synodontis catfish are good additions when looking for bottom feeders. I've had good experiences with synodontis eupterus (featherfins) and synodontis petricolas. As for plecos, I've had success with bristlenoses, but they do need hiding places to get away from the cichlids when needed.

- No plants most of the time

I've had success with java fern, anubias, floating anacharis, crypts, and swords. I wouldn't say no plants most of the time- my cichlids use plants as territories and places to hide, even over rocks, so I would actually recommend them. Some people say not to add plants, or that it's impossible to have plants with Africans, but I've had nothing but good experiences with them. Need to have the plants fixed down real good though or else they'll be pulled up easily.

 

Ya I know the lakes, what are some good lake MalawI species. What would be some good species to start off with? Could I try peacocks too?

I would not recommend Peacocks with Mbuna, one or the other. I agree Peacocks would be a great choice to start, although Mbuna are not tough to keep if you follow simple guidelines. the biggest being keep them in a 1 male to 3-4 female ratio. this has little to do with breeding and more to just help spread the aggression out over the tank more. there will be aggression, no way around it, this will just help so that one female doesn't get picked on all the time. But, peacocks and Mbunas are a no no. Mbunas are much more aggressive than peacocks.
I would encourage Yellow labs, Acei's and red Zebras in that order from low to higher agression. these are great starter Mbuna to try.
I suggest Mbuna instead of Peacocks simply because they are usually what is found in LFS. they do carry Peacocks but at a lower quantity than they do with Mbuna, at least here where I live.

 

What about kenyi, SaulosI Cichlid and rustys

 

Kenyi's are pretty rough, the SaulosI and Rusty's I like. Keep in mind color of the fish, similiar colored fish do not usually fair well with each other.
check out this link it is a cookie cutter for 55 gl tanks. many different options to choose from.
this is a very good link ( one I use all the time)

 

I highly recommend rusties! They're really great fish.

 

I'm liking the idea of peacocks I like their colours.

 

There should be a 1 male to 3 females ratio in your tank as well. I wouldn't go as far to say that you shouldn't have plants. In a mbuna tank you can't have live plants because mbunas will eat them. However some have had success with certain plant species. If you decide to keep Mbunas, it is highly recommended to supplement their diet with lettuce, squash, or cucumbers. Keep in mind that the bloating occurs mainly with mbunas because they are herbivores. However haps are carnivorous so they will need a protien diet. Haps should not be mixed with mbunas if you are a beginner. This is mostly because they have two separate diets and giving the fish the proper nutrients is difficult if they are in the same tank.

 

Kenyi's are pretty rough, the SaulosI and Rusty's I like. Keep in mind color of the fish, similiar colored fish do not usually fair well with each other.
check out this link it is a cookie cutter for 55 gl tanks. many different options to choose from.
this is a very good link ( one I use all the time)

So what would be better less larger fish in the tank or more smaller fish?

 

Another question are peacocks or mbuna like rainbowfish they take like a year to get their true colours?

 

So what would be better less larger fish in the tank or more smaller fish?

I always start out with Juvies, this way they grow out together and because you will have a few extra, you can always pull a real aggressive one out, but you will always want to be overstocked. being overstocked speakes more to when they are adults as that is when the aggression really begins.

Another question are peacocks or mbuna like rainbowfish they take like a year to get their true colours?

Peacocks and Mbuna show a lot of color as juvies (that's why my wife likes them) but like most fish, the older they get the more they color up. some sub-species
are different than others.