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Is this species good for beginners? [message #10569]

Mon, 10 August 2009 22:33

redsono93

Messages: 2
Registered: January 2009
Location: New Jersey

Junior Member

Hi,

I am very interested in setting up my first African Cichlid tank. I am looking at either a 125 or 180 gallon tank, it all depends on how much money I have. Out of all the different types of cichlids which ones are best for a guy just starting out? Which types Mbuna, Victoria, Peacocks, Malawi, Tanganyika have the most amazing colors?

I live in northern New Jersey it is not uncommon to have power outages. So I can't go with reef aquariums (too sensitive to changes) which is fine because cichlids in my opinion rival them in color.

I really like the Christmas Fulu, P Chromogymos(Zue Isl) Matumbi hunter, Day glow, flame back, Kyoga Flameback, Halp ruby green, Pundamila (Igombe Isl.) Pundamila Crimson Tide.

Sorry I am not great on the scientific names I will get better over time Razz

I am leaning towards Victoria since the Christmas Fulu and Kyoga Flame back are my 2 favorites. What other types of species (Mbuna, Malwai, Peacock, Tanganyika) can you keep with Victoria species?

How many fish can I keep in say a 125 tank? Where do you buy the sandy substrate for the tank? Can you have a planted tank? I am big in Bio-Tape. Where is the best place to obtain rocks that mimic or are from Lake Victoria? I would like to make the tank as close to the wild as possible. So maybe plants aren't the way to go. Sorry for the long message just need some help.

Thanks,
Steve

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Re: Is this species good for beginners? [message #10586]

Mon, 07 September 2009 12:38

Gass

Messages: 425
Registered: April 2002
Location: Lake Canyonyika TX

Senior Member

Hi Steve

I'm a haplochromine fan too!

You are starting out right with a large tank. As for setup, the fish you listed are from different biotopes. The Pundamilia species really like a lot of rockwork in their setup while Lipochromis sp. "matumbi hunter" likes open areas and will do well in a planted tank with some rockwork. IF you check the articles section out here I think you'll find some good information on most species. I'll check back for any inquiries you have that I can answer.

Happy fishing.
Greg

Gas
http://www.africancichlids.net

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