Starting a cichlids tank

Elaine T wrote:
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.

Watch out with the severums They do get aggressive! Golds seem more so and
plucked out the eyes of a green! The green recovered from his wounds and
lived a long time by himself. We called him Tommy after the attack.