30 gallon Cichlid set-up: What are my options? FISH EXPERTS HELP!?

Question

I'm choosing not to rush picking my fishies :).

So far I did some research and am interested in Mawali Cichlids (though internet info is very mixed). I also want a red tail shark and understand the dangers of keeping it with large, agressive cichlids so I know to be careful. I have a 30 "square" gallon tank cycling (very slowly) and hope to keep

1 Red Tail Shark
1 Electric Yellow Cichlid

as well as at least 2 more fish.

I understand that I have to carefully find the right balance of pH and hardness to suit all my fishies. They should be at least 3 inches so they don't get picked on, but no more than 7 inches to avoid being the menace.

Since I'm not a big fan of "boring" fish - I need help picking mild cichlids that would fit in this aquarium.

If possible, their diet should be higher on the veggie side and should live at least 6 years.

Thanks!

IF I take out the yellow cichlid - what are other options for south american cichlids?

If not, Im checking the choices mentioned and seeing the mid/high 7 pH.

Answer 1

IF by 'square' tank you mean that it's shaped square, then for cichlids this tank is less then a standard 30 gallon - it's length that defines most of the swimming room and all of the territories.

Mbuna are both active and aggressive, and while they'll do fine on their own, all of their best behaviour is interactive with their own kind. Also, If you start mixing up cichlids in that little tank it will not be pretty - that is a single species size tank. Stick a Kenyi in there with the electric yellow and let me know how it goes - or better yet, don't.

A tank this size is very constricting to fish this active and territorial, and even 7 inches will prove constricted in it. Some of those fish mentioned in another post have territories in the wild of which your tank is just a speck.

The best kind of cichlid you can have is a dwarf cichlid. Rams, Apistogramma, or Kribensis. They have all the character of the larger types, and your tank can actually give these cichlids room to live and thrive.

For something a little larger, a pair of Convicts or Firemouths would work out adaquately. But going any larger is simply not a great plan.

If your mind is set on Malawi, then you can probably get away with a trio of electric yellows (1m2f), but that would be about it. And don't let size fool you - there are 3 inch Malawi cichlids that need 4 foot tanks just because of how aggressive they are.

Also, don't worry about PH - it's a misconception that they need certain levels. What you see in all these profiles on the web is a rough estimation of what the PH is in the fishes natural habitat, not what it needs to survive. I've always kept all my fish in the same water (ph 8.2 or so) - including my 12 year old 'soft water' nicaraguan cichlid, who has also bred in this same "unsuitable" water. If your PH falls between 7 and 8.4 you can keep any cichlid you wish Believe it or not. (The reason not to mix new world and african cichlids is not about water, it's about their completely different behaviours that make them incompatible)

To learn more about cichlids check out www.cichlid-forum.com.

Answer 2

Your choice of cichlids is very limited by the size of the tank.Look at some of the "shell dweller" dwarfs. Almost any of the Mbuna will be too aggressive for a tank of less than 100 gallons. The shell dwellers are actually Tanganyikan fish,but will be OK in Malawi conditions(pH 8.3 hardness 425 ppm, kH moderate). You "shark" probably won't do too well in these conditions.
As to life expectancy,that's pretty well up to you. I have Malawians that are many years older than six,and are still active and attractive. The high pH demanded by Rift Lake Cichlids makes the ammonia and Nitrites more toxic than neutral or low pH water,so you absolutely must do frequent (weekly or twice a week) water changes.
Study the water requirement for the Red Tail and you may wish to reconsider.
One other thing,"boring fish" are ones that you don't understand. If you provide the right conditions, almost any fish will provide plenty of interest.

Answer 3

more electric yellows. they are a pretty peacefull african cichlid. and only get about 4-5 inches.

i wouldnt mix south american and african cichlids b/c of the huge difference in ph.

most other africans will out grow a 30 gallon shortly and fight constantly.
they set up there own territories and need a good bit of room.

Answer 4

Ok if you want to keep the electric yellow cichlid you can put a couple of kenyi cichlids or add more electric yellows. If you put the electric yellow out then I would suggest an electric blue or a convict cichlid.
Blood parrots would do fine.
here are some other choices:
Peacock cichlid
Green terror cichlid
Jack Dempsey cichlid
I would suggest adding more electric yellows or kenyi cichlids because they are mildy agressive.