CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

I just bought a premade set 55gallon tank....galass i think. It came with a filter..full top with light. I bought about 12 (5) pound bags of rocks, and a couple decorations..(ships and stuff). I have no plants..air stones...air pump..nothing. I was thinking of getting fish like the oscar, red devil cichlid, jack dempsey...pirahna..i just want very aggressive fish...any help on this will make my life easier...like what fish i should get...what filter if i need better than what i have...different lights..food...plants..anything...thx....

What kind of filter? How many gallons per hour? In a 55 gallon tank you could get like 2-3 oscars or equally sized cichlids. As for fish there are a bunch that you could get that can be mixed with pretty good success such as; oscars (all types), fire mouths, red devils, green terrors, jaguars, texas cichlids, Jack Dempsey's, the list could go on forever. You really need to just research the differant looks and personalities and find the ones you like best and go with that kind. Fish are a very personal thing, everybody likes differant things about fish. I spent 2 weeks looking at the net until I totally decided on Tiger oscars. You will probably get the most help on this BBS if you get Oscars that is what most of us have, but many of us have differant types so go wild and get whatever your heart desires. As far as food is concerned, cichlids mostly eat live meaty foods, there have been a few discussions recently in the oscar boards about differant foods and those are pretty much the same for the other cichlids too. Filtration is very important and fairly frequent water changes will be a must (every 3-7 days). Many cichlids are rough on plants so if you want them try plastic ones. Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide on or if you need any more help.

Dont forget the heater.

Before you buy as Adam says have a look around. If you decide on oscars go through the posts in this bbs to read up on keeping them. Also dont be afraid to ask as many questions as you like no matter how silly you think it might sound. No one will put you down here for being new to Cichlids.

Oh yeah becarefull of advise from petshops,lfs etc. Always double check what they advise with people with experience like this bbs

Good luck on your endevour.


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TONY S

WEll good luck on the new tank.....

Lets see, make sure you have about 7-8folds for the turn over in your water if you are going to get oscars.
I would recommend only 1 oscar in your tank if its a 55gal.Actually if you like fish alot only put one!!!!!!
If you wanna keep 2 get at least a 75 gal tank.

If you have any questions about chichlids icq me ok 23020482 or email me i've been keeping oscars for about 6-8 yrs
And make sure you have lots of water changes to




[This message has been edited by asmodeus (edited 03-13-2001).]