Fred Bloggs wrote:
Hi Folks,

We recently moved and tore down our aquarium, and it is time to get it
starting again. It was a community tank with lots of plants, but I want to
do something a little different when I get going again.

I am thinking cichlids which I understand needs lots of hiding places and
rocks, but are they compatible with plants?

Any recommendations on good fish for a 55gal tank? I am looking for a lot of
color and small to medium size fish that are not excessively aggressive or
require live food.

Is there anything special I need in the way of filtration or water
conditions?

Thanks


Cichlid is a little general. Two "not excessively aggressive" groups of
cichlids come to mind. First, Lake Malawi has a group of open water
fish often called "peacocks." Aulonocara spp. are probably the most
common. Males will not tolerate same-colored males, but you can species
with beautiful results. They do not generally eat plants, but they can
dig extensively so potted plants or ones tied to driftwood survive their
digging better. Malawi cichlids like moderately hard to hard water, and
a pH above 7. You can put seachells or crushed coral in the tank or
filter to easily set the water conditions.

The second group that comes to mind are the peaceful South American
cichlids like angel fish, festivums, keyholes, rams, and Bolivian rams.
These fish are very plant friendly as they generally refrain from both
eating and digging. They still have much of the interesting behavior or
their more aggressive cousins but without the bloodshed. Severums and
Uaru come from the same biotope, but they have a reputation of being
plant eaters. These cichlids prefer soft water with a low pH, but can
be kept in just about any municipal water.

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html '__
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com