What kind of cichlid can be kept in a 20-30 gallon tank?

[Terry1]

Hi, I would like to keep a cichlid or two, but have limited space and money. What kind(common names please) can I keep in a 20-30 gallon aquarium? I was thinking convict maybe? Thanks.

[SGypsyMermaid]

hi terry1--convict cichlids are not african, they are american(wrong forum). many african lake cichlids do not have common names, and common names create problems when trying to pin down the exact identity of a fish. you could keep dwarf cichlids in a tank of that size--there are americans and africans, but you have to decide which you would like to keep--they have different requirements.

[SGypsyMermaid]

you might use the ph of your tap water as a deciding factor--it's much easier to keep a tank successfully if you don't have to work at maintaining a ph that is different from your tap water. african lake cichlids thrive in hard alkaline water, although they are very adaptable and can be successfully kept at a neutral ph(7.0).

[FishoPhile J]

i have a thirty gal tank with 6 african chiclids, one convict, and a dwarf pleco... they're cramped, but they all seem happy and nobody's lost any fins... just make sure you over filter the tank and you'll be alright.

[jonah]

FPJ- How long have you had that combination in your 30g? And how big are the fish? It seems like they usually get along fine when they're smaller, but as they grow so do the problems generally. If it's working for you long term then I'm glad to hear it, but I wouldn't suggest that combination to most cichlid keepers.

Terry1: Convicts would be fine. Also most smaller Tanganyikans, American dwarfs, chromides, kribs and several other American medium size cichlids would work well. Some could be kept in groups, some in pairs and some by themselves. It's really going to depend on the species you choose.

[Overawed]

I'd keep Brichardi in a small tank