New Cichlid TANK SET UP?

[poisonXvenom]

Hi.... after 2 years of boring tropical community fish, I've decided to go african-cichlid.*BOUNCINGS

What I have in mind=

1. 55 or 75 gallon tank.
2. freshwater sand for substrate
3. rocks, pots, etc. for decor.
4. heater
5. regular lighting
6. either some emperor 400's or a canister filter.

Which one would be better - 2 emperor 400 or 1 canister filter around $60-100

And ... also what are some common cichlids that are pretty good to start off.
I want to mix a variety. Any recommendations?
What else would i need? It is okay to get fish that grow big b/c I am planning to get a bigger tank later (150 gallon or so). THANKS and Happy Holidays*twirlysmi

 

[Hamburgler]

Equipment list sounds great, stick with the sand and use lots of rocks. Mix some crushed coral in with the sand and/or in a media bag in the filter for buffering purposes. Unless you already have hard water, your fish will appreciate it.

As for species, that all depends on what you want. There is so much variety. In my 55 i have mostly mbuna, a few haps, con, and a jewel. Everything has been fine for over a year.

Check out www.cichlid-forum.com for more specific species profiles and ideas.

And if you can go for the 75 do it, aquascaping will be so much better!

 

[Cichlid-Man]

I'd go for Mbuna. They give you the most bang for your buck for a 55-75gal. They are colorful, very active, interesting to keep, and easy to keep. They are also easy to breed.

Mbuna is a very general term, there are tons of species out there. Should check out your LFS and see what they have. They might be labeled as just "African Cichlids".

What colors do you like?

 

[marvin]

Hi.... after 2 years of boring tropical community fish, I've decided to go african-cichlid.*BOUNCINGS

What I have in mind=

1. 55 or 75 gallon tank.
2. freshwater sand for substrate
3. rocks, pots, etc. for decor.
4. heater
5. regular lighting
6. either some emperor 400's or a canister filter.

Which one would be better - 2 emperor 400 or 1 canister filter around $60-100

And ... also what are some common cichlids that are pretty good to start off.
I want to mix a variety. Any recommendations?
What else would i need? It is okay to get fish that grow big b/c I am planning to get a bigger tank later (150 gallon or so). THANKS and Happy Holidays*twirlysmi

i would get two filters and you may find the emperor not a good choice for a 55 the extension tube is too long

 

[Hamburgler]

i would get two filters and you may find the emperor not a good choice for a 55 the extension tube is too long

So how about not using the extension? With sand and digging you are going to want the intake as far up as possible, and pre-filters present.

I have an emp400 and ac110 on my 55. Great surface agitation and flow. I have the ac setup for mechanical and the emp for bio.