Wanting to have cichlids--need advice

[fishfinder]

I have a 46 gallon bowfront and I ma wanting to keep cichlids. I have been reading a lot about them but I just thought it'd be best to get advice from people that have "been there done that".

It seems most pet stores keep roughly the same kind of cichlids most being the african cichlids. (which is ok b/c I like them)

I was wondering what are the best to go with?
How many is too many?
what kind of terrain are they looking for?

I read most like a lot of hiding places?

thanks

 

[hari-goshi]

African Cichlids: Welcome to The Cichlid Recipe This is a must read for anyone wanting to setup an african tank.*thumbsups

 

[fishfinder]

thanks, that reading was very helpful.

 

[bigdaddy]

i have had both african and american cichlids and i have 1 jack dempsey, 1 severum, 2 salvini's, and a cat fish in a 55gal. and thats about all ican can put in there. but for africans from exp. with them i had a 45 gal and i had around 13 to 16 in there and it was fine they were all around 1 to 2 inches it just seems that the africans get along better than the americans do my americans are realy agressive (salvini's). im not a professional on cichlids but i am a huge fan of them. i hope this helps...