starting a cichlid 10 g tank - help

[silversp0rt]

just wondering if anyone could guide me through a quick step by step process of starting and maintaining a cichild tank for a 10 g. cichlid tanks cant have plants either right? im just experienced with community planted tanks. still ignorant on saltwater and brackish tanks. can anyone explain what equipment is neccessary and whats the best equipment to maintain a cichilid tank? thanks. and maybe what fish i can put in there that are compatible with each other? appreciate any info or links etc....

 

[amishfignewton]

alot of cichlids get kinda big, so there isnt much you can do with a 10 gallon tank. There are some dwarf species out there such as blue rams. You can have plants, just matters what type of fish you get. Just look at the fish profiles on this website and figure out what kinds of cichlids you can get.

 

[geoff]

http://cichlid-forum.com/articles/cookie_cutter_10g.php

All you need to know about cichlids and 10 gallon tanks.

 

[bobrob]

You could try shell dwellers.

 

[silversp0rt]

do you guys have any more specific sites? should i put sand/gravel in there? is it neccessary?

 

[10 Gal. newbe]

probablly because if you dont there will be nowhere besides the filter for the bacteria to grow.
Get a 50 watt heater
Wisper Power filter 20 will do nice
Gravel/sand
cycle the tank
set the pH and nitrate levels corect and add the fish
hope that helped