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I'm setting up my tank for a pair of Cichlids, specific cichlids have yet to be deturmined. But I'm looking for any suggestions as to tank set up.

Should I put in big rocks?
Keep the gravel in the bottom?
Lots of fake plants?
No plants at all?
PVC piping?

I have no idea how to set up for cichlids so any and all input is greatly appriciated. Also, how do cichlids react to bubble walls compared to air stones?

It depends on the kind of Cichlids. Angelfish like alot of plants, Shellies like sand and shells, Brichardi like rocks and caves. Find the fish you want then set up the habitat.

Mike

I think I've decided on Angel's. Can they be kept with african dwarf frogs? I would also like to have some school of smaller fish in the tank as well but have no idea what to put with them. It's a 29g tank.

With Angels you want alot of plants, either real of fake. You don't need rocks or caves but if you have something you like you can put it in.

As far as tankmates you'll want something that isn't nippy or too active. Tetras, maybe glolights or half a dozen Cories. You won't be able to put in a huge school because the Angels, once grown will take up alot of tank.

Have fun, Mike

Ok so if I go with Angelfish, I need a lot of plants. Would I be able to keep Guppies with them or would the Angels eat the Guppies?

I may need to do a lot more research on Cichlids before I do make a final decision. Honestly, I want something flashy that my kids will like watching but I also want to have something in the tank like Guppies. Maybe I'll just get a seperate tank for Guppies. What kind of "cleaning crew" would go in a tank with Angels? Pleco?

Thanks in advance to anyone. Mike, you've been tons of help already.

Guppies are great as long as you don't expect to save many babies. Angelfish eat guppy fry like popcorn.

As for flashy, Angels have lots of variations so you have lots of colors and finnage to choose from.

If you think a smaller Cichlid might suit you and your water is soft, Blue Rams and Apistogrammas are pretty flashy. A. Cacatioudes and A. Agasizzi are cool also.

Have fun, Mike

Don't get a pleco. I'm assuming you mean common plecos, which need a 75g tank minimum when they're adults (plus, they're crazily poopy). A few otos is what I keep with my angels.

I'll have to go to my LFS tomorrow and see what Cichlids they have available. Besides being flashy for the kids, I would like something fairly agressive so I can see it eat live food. My friend used to have a set of Oscars and it was good fun to sit there and watch them go through a bag of feeder fish once a week.

Smantzer, will any catfish in general work or specifically an Otto?

Ok, I just got back from my LFS. I'm going to go with either Electric Yellow's or Electric Blue's. I got a bubble wall and several plants to put into the tank. How many of these should I put in my 29g tank? What other fish would be able to be kept with them? I would like something along the lines of Tetra's, Guppies, Mollies, or some type of Catfish. I'm not sure if the Guppies or Tetra's would be able to take the high PH.

My tank will be set up with a PH of 8.2 and set at 80 degrees. The bubble wall will extend the entire length of the back side of the tank. I think I will need some type of cave like half of a flower pot or somthing I'll grab at my LFS before I get the Cichlids. I have 4 16" plants, 6 12" plants, 3 8" plants, and 2 6" plants.

So basicly, I need to know what other fish to put in there that actually have a chance for survival and any comments on the general set up of the tank. Thanks!

Well the Electric yellows will work. Try 6 for now as I'm sure you will be unable to sex. If LFS can sex for you get 1M/4F ratio. These are rock cichlids and would prefer caves over plants. You could put 1 BN pleco in there also. As for other fish like tetras=NO. A 30gal would be fully stocked with the 5 EL's and the BN.