Tank PH

Question
Hi Lynda,

I have well water that is naturally hard and alkaline. It has been tested (negative) for heavy metals, the hardness is due to calcium in the water. Rather than fighting my water and trying to coax it back toward neutral with every water change, I was thinking of stocking my new aquarium with African Cichlids, since I have read that their native waters are also hard and alkaline. I am still cycling my 45 gallon tank, now stocked with a few very hardy rosies, just to get things up and running. Do you think the cichlids will thrive once the tank has cycled, if so,  how many should I add, and what varieties should I consider to get started? Many thanks for your advice!

Alisan

Answer
Hi Alisan,
African Cichilds are very aggressive, and territorial.  Most get very big, and need big tanks.  You also must have many rocks overturned pots, cave like formations in your tank which take up space.  
Here is a little list of African Cichlids, that are less aggressive, but still are:
Peacocks...1 male to 3 females
Yellow Labs...1 male to 3 females
6 Acie...they are difficult to  distinguish between male and female, but must live in groups.
Always read up on African Cichlids before putting them into your tank.  Most need lots of room, and get rather big.
There are also small shell dwellers.  You must provide shells for them, as they are very nervous, even at the sound of noise, and need shells.  As they grow bigger, provide bigger shells for them.  It is amazing how fast they hide into their shells at the least drop of a pin!!  They are cute, and make sure that the shells are deep enough for them to hide in.
Provide a varied diet for all of these fish.  A good quality flake which is made for African Cichlids, along with bloodworms, Brine shrimp, etc.  The more you vary, the healthier they will be.
Hope this helps
Lynda