advice cichlids

[legend]

My Brother has just given me a very large take well above 60g I am considering keeping Malawi cichlids and I am looking for any advice before I do it

are malawis a good starter to the world of cichlids?

if not what would you suggest?

Are nitrites as important as in standard tropical?

If my ph of my tap water is to low how would I raise it?

I hope you can help any other advise would be great

cheers dudes. *celebratesmiley*

 

[jbfootin]

Lake Malawi cichlids are great but be carefull cuz there are three kinds of cichlids from Malawi, Haps, Peacocks and Mbuna.  The Mbuna are much more agressive than the Haps and Peacocks and will beat them up if in the same tank.  I have had Mvuna in the past and they are fun to watch but hard to add to because they will kill any new fish you add.  I  currently have a tank of Peacocks with a few Frontosas which is much more peaceful.  My only complant would be that the female Peacocks are quite plane looking.  Just a brownish grey color but the males are beautiful.  

This site for buying cichlids is quite helpful.  I have never bought from them but I use them as a reference often.
http://www.aquariumfish.net/catalog_pages/cichlids_african/african_cichlids_table.htm#top2

hope this helped.

Jay

 

[legend]

chees thanks for the advice jay