New Setup??

[Diamond]

Hi
I am hoping to transform my 50 gallon tank, into a cichlid tank in the near future, I was just wondering, before i jump into anything what you guys think are best for a beginners tank new to cichlids, which cichlids would be hardy, and not to aggressive, and get along well together,
I was thinking about a malawi tank, there such beautiful colours, and not to big, would i be able to manage a malawi tank or is that for the more experienced.
What ph do they like, because i use ro water, at the moment which is about 7.0 to 7.5 would this be okay for malawis or do they prefer ther water harder. Please let me know what you guys would recommend for a cichlid beginner, and for a nice big 50 gallon tank, it is a well established tank, been set up a year and a half so theres no problems with bacteria etc. Please let me know.

[SGypsyMermaid]

[quote:b4cf658118="Diamond"]Hi
I am hoping to transform my 50 gallon tank, into a cichlid tank in the near future, I was just wondering, before i jump into anything what you guys think are best for a beginners tank new to cichlids, which cichlids would be hardy, and not to aggressive, and get along well together,
I was thinking about a malawi tank, there such beautiful colours, and not to big, would i be able to manage a malawi tank or is that for the more experienced.
What ph do they like, because i use ro water, at the moment which is about 7.0 to 7.5 would this be okay for malawis or do they prefer ther water harder. Please let me know what you guys would recommend for a cichlid beginner, and for a nice big 50 gallon tank, it is a well established tank, been set up a year and a half so theres no problems with bacteria etc. Please let me know.[/quote:b4cf658118]

malawians should be a good choice for you: red zebras, aceis, yellow labs, etc. you do not need to use ro water...the fish thrive in hard, alkaline water(about 8.0)

[DR.J]

you could get other fish you know. even if the ph is 7.0-7.5 all you need is a ph test kit. if you get this it will open up your choices of fish you could get alot more than what it is now.