Interested in cichlids

Hello everyone.

First some background.

I have had my 55gal freshwater tank for about 8 months now. I have kept
various tropicals in it with varying levels of success.

Currently, I have 5 neon tetras, 3 corys, 2 platy's and 1 female betta.

My water is good (no ammonia/nitrite, and currently about 20-30ppm
nitrate). PH is around 7.8 - 8.2. Tank is planted with various
artificial plants, and some pieces of driftwood to create some hiding
spots. Substrate is a 50/50 mix of regular size gravel and some smaller
sized gravel.

Now to my question.

I am interested in getting some cichlids for my aquarium, particularly
the Malawian variety. Now I realize some (if not all) of the fish I
have currently may not be compatible, which is fine, I have another home
for them if need be. But I am wondering about the suitability of the
rest of the aquarium setup for Malawian cichlids.

I understand that Malawian cichlids like a higher pH, which is no
problem because my pH (and local tap water) have a higher pH as is. But
what about the substrate?

I understand that these fish like a sandy substrate. Are they fine with
a substrate like mine, or would I need to change it to make it suitable
for them?

Regarding plants and decor, I figure I would need to get some rock like
structures to provide hiding spots/territories for males, but what about
plants? Are the artificial plants okay? What about the driftwood?

Anyways, some help would be great, as I would love to get into cichlids,
but do not want to jump in if my setup is not sufficient.

Thanks.

Hi..

> I have had my 55gal freshwater tank for about 8 months
> now. I have kept various tropicals in it with varying
> levels of success.

Hmm..

> Currently, I have 5 neon tetras, 3 corys, 2 platy's and 1
> female betta.

Okay..

> My water is good (no ammonia/nitrite, and currently about
> 20-30ppm
> nitrate).

In my mind no prob..! What's about GH/KH..?

> PH is around 7.8 - 8.2.

Hmm.., why is the PH so high..?

> Tank is planted with
> various artificial plants, and some pieces of driftwood to
> create some hiding
> spots. Substrate is a 50/50 mix of regular size gravel
> and some smaller sized gravel.

What's about life plants, lighting..?

What's regular size gravel..? And what's some smaller sized
gravel..?

> Now to my question.
> I am interested in getting some cichlids for my aquarium,
> particularly
> the Malawian variety.

Okay..

> Now I realize some (if not all) of
> the fish I have currently may not be compatible, which is
> fine, I have another home
> for them if need be.

Well all of the old fish might be incompatible..!


> But I am wondering about the
> suitability of the rest of the aquarium setup for Malawian
> cichlids.

Me, too..

> I understand that Malawian cichlids like a higher pH,
> which is no
> problem because my pH (and local tap water) have a higher
> pH as is.

Okay..

> But what about the substrate?

Pool sand - or fine gravel (~0.1")..

> I understand that these fish like a sandy substrate. Are
> they fine with a substrate like mine, or would I need to
> change it to make it suitable for them?

In my mind Sand would be great..!

> Regarding plants and decor, I figure I would need to get
> some rock like structures to provide hiding
> spots/territories for males, but what about
> plants? Are the artificial plants okay?

Depending on lighting there were several life plants
available for your tank..

> What about the
> driftwood?

Real driftwood shouldn't be a prob..

> Anyways, some help would be great, as I would love to get
> into cichlids, but do not want to jump in if my setup is
> not sufficient.

Agreed.., cichlids are great pet fish but there are several
other cichlids beside Malawians..

Ever tried TFA..?
http://groups.google.com/group/The-Freshwater-Aquarium
--
cu
Marco