Cichlids

Went to check out a lfs that i hadn't been to before and was looking at the fish (of course). Saw some very nice colored cichlids. My interest is peaking in these very colorful freshwater fish. Can anyone give me info on the different types and which are easiest for the newbie? What size tank is best for them etc.? Probably going to have to get my hubbie his dang hairy spider before he'll let me get another tank but if that's what it's going to take i'm game.

for beginers i would suggest lake malawi cichlids. lots of color and easy to care for. i also would not recommend anything less than a 55 really.

What kind of water conditions do they require?

If you want colorful flashy Cichlids then Peacocks are the way to go. **Peakcocks Link**

They prefer higher PH 7.5-8.0 ish
74-82 water temps
They seem to be pretty flexible with water conditions. My water sits right around 7.4 and I still have great healthy colors. I have Mbuna's so by providing them with plenty of rocks and caves to hide in I think it promotes a fish that is less stressed and therefore much more colorful and happy.

Peacocks from my experience tend to be much less aggressive then the Mbuna's of Lake Malawi. Mbuna Cichlids while really fun fish don't always get along with peacocks and being more aggressive often pick on them.

If I wanted really flashy Cichlids I would go with Peacocks tank and most likely a darker background to draw out lots of color.

yeah the malawi cichlids are moch more forgiving than tangs

Ok. Thanks for the suggestions. I would prefer the colorfull flashy ones. I'm going to start doing some research. Unfortunately my ph from my tap water runs about 8.4. Will this be ok for peacocks?

your fine.

ok. thanks.

if you want to still keep community fish like tetras and guppies tho. i suggest dwarf cichlids. blue rams, apistogramma, shell dwellers, brichardi, and my personal favorite kribensis