Advice for new soon to be cichlid owner...?

Question

I have a 29 gal tank that has been a community freshwater tank forever, we have debated about switching it over to cichlids numerous time, but I always had great fish that I just couldn't get rid of...well, the time has come to finally dive in and switch over to the cichlids. I only have one pleco and one upside down cat in my tank right now, both approx 5 in. and I have been told they would be fine with cichlids. Any advice on fish to get, those to stay away from, and how many to get? We have read and heard about people overstuffing the tank to prevent the fish from staking out territory, but I would rather have comfortable fish than those constantly fussing with each other trying to find a space for themselves. I saw a post that said that "kribs" would be a nice sized fish for that size tank, any opinions? Should I stick with 1 species or can I get 1 fish from several species? Thanks so much for any assistance you can provide!
Looking forward to taking the plunge!
~Mel

Update in response to "last time I try":

I actually already have the tank very well decorated for cichlids. I did that first for my community tank and they loved being able to hide in the holes and so forth. I used slate stones (the flat irregularly shaped ones) as well as round rocks and such to build a 8-9 hole pyramid in the center of the tank. It looks really nice, just needs some fish to inhabit the holes now :-)

Answer 1

I have a 125 gallon tank full of African ciclids. I have been keeping fish for over 18 years now and I've learned alot. So My advice isn't going to be much fun, cuz I've done it all!!! but here it goes. First spend some money and buy LOTs of rock get little pieces big pieces flat ones are always good! The more hiding places the healthier your tank will be!! trust me! Second the fish that the other people were suggesting are GREAT choice's, BUT cost $$$$ since you've never had ciclids before I would suggest going to one or more fish stores and look for the one that sells little baby's I just added 10 more ciclids to my tank on Christmas eve, The guy sold my a whole bunch of ciclids 5 for 10 bucks.. little fish become big fish REAL FAST..Then slowly add the really cool ones, and try and buy them as small as possible! Your gonna have better success that way. Try and stay away from "corporate" type fish stores find the really cool independent stores. Get to be friends with the people. I went into my favorite store about 2 months ago and said dude hook me up. he showed me these fish called..what ever's..to me they looked like silver minnows, but when they mature they will be solid blue with yellow tails.. if I wouldn't have asked, he wouldn't have told me!!! be cool good luck

Answer 2

Kribs would be a good choice. The Rift Lake Cichlids would probably not do to well in a tank of that size. Some other Cichlid choices might be "Firemouth" or Jewelfish. These are moderately "aggressive" species,but they would be fine in a tank with lots of natural caves and some plants to break up the bottom into sort of divided territories. All of these fish are Congo Basin natives and will do well in slightly hard to soft water,and do not require the "liquid rock" that's required for the "Big Lake" fishes. With lots of good hiding places I would think that a couple of pairs of fish would do well in your tank. Look up Hemichromis bimaculatus, Thorichthys meeki, or Pelvichromis pulcher.
These fishes are normally listed as aggressive or slightly aggressive but I think they will do well in an uncrowded tank.

Answer 3

Kribensis would indeed be good fish for your tank, as would apistos and rams. You can mix species as long as they're all relatively the same size, temperment, and all come from the same region or lake.

For starters, I'd get a male/female pair of either kribs, apistos, or rams. If you go for rams, you could also add a few community fish, as they're pretty peaceful for cichlids. I'm partial to German Blue Rams, myself.

Answer 4

know the tide if anchored in shallow water. I boat on the Sacramento Delta in central California and spot a lot of people stranded waiting for top tide to return. have relaxing.