Good morning folks. I too am new to cichlids but have had tropical fish for
over 30 years. I posted over in the cichlid group but this is a much more
active group. I'm actively searching for a good group for discussions and
even just chit chat with people having the same hobby.

I started a Lake Malawi tank, one word of advice, be careful about where you
buy your fish. I'm in a small town in SE Michigan and there are only "big
box" pet stores around here. I got some misinformation and have two fish
that could grow to 12 inches long. I have a 46 gallon tank for my cichlids
and don't see a larger one in the near future unless I tear apart my 70
gallon tropical tank which has a huge green severum in it along with my
smaller tropical fish (one severum alone seems to do really well with them
as long as I don't put gouramis in there). The two fish are beautiful and I
was finally able to identify them yesterday. One thing I was told and this
seems to hold true from everything that I've read on the groups is that it
is best to put all your severums in at once as they quickly establish their
own territory in the tank and are very aggressive to new comers.

Since I'm just learning too I'm not going to offer any other advice. ;-)
Good luck with the new hobby... I am loving the cichlids and really enjoying
the fact that they act much like salt water fish, which is what I had wanted
to do but couldn't afford all the extra skimmers and filters it seems like
is required.

Nanette
"Fred Bloggs" wrote in message
...
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