Is this tank good for Cichlids?

[BlueEyedFox]

I dont know, I am very confused. I set up my tank and its my first night, I put in some water purifier that came with the tank.

I dont know what kind of Fish to get but, Cichlid's are one of the nicest from what I've read and seen.

I would really like to have a MOSTLY Cichlid tank but, I heard that you need sand or something so I guess I cant, If I cant can someone direct me to some good exotic fish for my tank as I dont want dull ones

Thanks.

29 Gallon Fish Tank

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Make sure the tank is cycled before you add fish!

Cichlids are the best Freshwater fish for sure. However with a 29gal you will be limited to the species you can keep. And unfortunately most of the more colorful species grow bigger then your tank allows. However there are a couple of small choices that do still have color and personality...just not as much as some of the larger cichlids.

They don't NEED sand, just do better with it. And show more behavior with it from my experiences.

Kribensis, German Rams or Bolivian Rams, Apistogramma.....all would be a decent choice for that tank. Or even Angelfish.

 

[BlueEyedFox]

That is understood. I am excited consdiering they look very nice

Can I have a Community Tank, I am thinking about 50% of Chiclads and the other 50% would be various types of fish that go well with Chiclads, exotics, and dont cause any problems

I am cycling my tank right now, How long should this stay out like this?

 

[BlueEyedFox]

I tried adding you on MSN but it wont let me, odd.

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Its possible to create a community yes. Most of the dwarf cichlids like the bottom areas of the tank. So something small like a schooling fish up top should be ok. I've seen it done with success. However just be aware when and if the cichlids decide to breed they could take their defensiveness nature out on the other fish.

Cycling should take as long as it needs until you get a 0 reading for nitrates. You should see the nitrate level rise and then fall to 0. Could take a few weeks. Make sure you are testing the water, test kits are an important part and something you should always have on hand.

http://www.myfishtank.net/articles/fishless-cycle/

 

[brian1973]

what exactley do you mean by exotic? I think your best bet is to research different kinds of fish, dwarf cichlids may be the way to go but if you interested and depending on where you live and the legality there are various colorful north american natives that IMO rival any "exotic" fish.

Matt maybe I am wrong but you should see the nitrites rise then fall to 0, at this point you should see a reading of nitrates, then your good to go, correct?

excerpt from that link you provided.
"Every few days, test for nitrites. After a few days (or maybe a few weeks) you should see your nitrite level slowly rise, peak and then start to drop off. As the nitrite is dropping, you should start seeing nitrates. Once your nitrite registers “0″ your tank is cycled!"

 

[marvin]

research is part of the fun IMHO you need to do some you may be able to put ten nice fish in a 29 ... see what your LPS has to offer get names and look them up.

 

[silver dollars]

Im not too sure about ten in a 29gal. But you could do a pair of Rams, Kribensis, Angels, Apistogramma, Keyhole cichlids, convict cichlids with the exception that there the only fish in the tank because if they breed the others will more than likely die, or even if the don't breed they could still kill the other fish.
As for the tank, you should get some more plants to at least cover the back and then add in some caves or rocks to provide shelter and/or breeding spots.