african cichlids?

Question

need info on them, how many gallon for each? ph lvl? breeding them? what kind of tank setup? tank mates for them? wut size do they breed at?


plz answer all of them

Answer 1

There are many different types of African cichlids that come in almost as many sizes, colors, shapes and temperment. Baensch's Aquarium Atlas would give you a good ref. as to which types you might enjoy and would be capable keeping and breeding.

As for ph, tank set up, tank mates, and the size or age they breed at you will need to pick a species to get a reliable set of guide lines to begin with.

For now have some researching which fish you would like to have.
Good luck

Answer 2

I am starting an Afirican Cichlid Tank. I know they like high pH, but don't use water treatments use a natural pH buffer like crushed coral. I have a 65 gallkon tank with a filter. I will be getting a heater. I too plan to breed the African Cichlids i plan to get but I don't think you need huge tanks to do it. Most peoples train of thought is to go big or don't go at all. I had a 10 gallon tank where the fish breed just fine.

Answer 3

Well, they need at least a 10 gallon tank for African cichlids, if you mean the smallest shell dweller. Or you need at least a 120 gallon tank, if you mean the largest Haplichromine. Yup, exactly, for every question you asked there are many answers depending on the species. They range from half an inch to almost two feet long, from plant dwellers to rock dwellers to open sand dwellers. From monogomous substrate breeders to open water breeders to mouth brooders. From herbivores to omnivores to carnivores. They will tear apart most fish you put with them. They can live with certain select species. They can live with a fair variety of tankmates. They breed at less then one inch. They breed at over eight inches. The first rule I can teach you about African cichlids - don't generalize them.

Here is the most useful advice I can think of to give you on these splendid fish:

www.cichlid-forum.com

Answer 4

The term 'african cichlids' applies to a very diverse group of fish originating from three different east african rift lakes, madagascar, and some west african riverine environments. This question is answered best once the specific type of african cichlids you are intending to get is known. Since mbuna (from lake malawi) are most common I will assume you are refering to these (they're typically found in 'assorted african cichlid' tanks as well as species tanks).

For long term success, you'll require a 55gal minimum for these fish. Mbuna (zebras, yellow labs, johanni's, etc) are very inclined to be aggressive and territorial (the degree of which depends upon the particular species as well as your set up). They do best in good numbers (10-15 in a 55gal, as an example), which help minimize aggression.

Keeping them in small number (i.e. 4-6 in a 55) can result in increased aggression. Keeping mbuna in tanks smaller than 55gal can result in increased aggression. As an example four mbuna kept in a 30gal tank may result in the strongest one continuously tormenting and possibly even killing the others.The inches per gallon "rule" does to apply with these fish, and 'overcrowding' them is an optional method in which to control aggression among them.

Suitable tankmates for mbuna are other mbuna. African synodontis are also suitable. Some plecos might work, but some get their eyes eaten by the cichlids. Other types of tankmates are probably poor choices, even other african cichlids (for example keeping frontosas with a bunch of kenyi is not a good idea).

Set up: Being terrritorial fish, mbuna require lots of rocks for establishing territories. 'Mbuna', after all, translates to "rock fish". Rocks are utilized by fish seeking to hide from pursuers as well as break line of sight (vital if you're intending get the more aggressive species).

They thrive in very hard and high alkaline water conditions (pH 8.2-8.4 is ideal, but any stable pH above 7.0 will suffice). Depending on the species they can breed when as small as 1.5"-2" in length, put typically a good breeding size is 3-4" (these fish max out at 4"-8" depending on the species you get).

Most mbuna are predominently herbivore and do best on low protein high-veggie content foods. Avoid meaty foods or diets containing greater than 45% protein content, or they might contract the often fatal Malawi Bloat (an intestinal disorder).

If you're getting different types of african cichlids the information I have provided will not apply

Answer 5

do a web search on cichlids and you'll find some interesting sites with some good information. I have cichlids from lake malawi in my 55 gal. I wouldnt suggest anything small than a 55 for malawi,tanganyikan, or victorian tank. You could do Kribs (pelvichromis pulcher) They are smaller than other africans, easy to breed, and have interesting personalities....plus really colorful. good luck!

Answer 6

This is one thing I know little about but the PH should be in the base scale so a little more than 7 but less than 8, 7 is neutral 14 is a far base like cleaner or bleach and 1 is a strong acid like stomach acid or battery acid. Sorry for the lack of information.

Answer 7

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/
Tons of good information on cichlids....