cichilds

Question
Hi there

    Im a new jack with starting a fish tank with cichilds fish the reason why i started with cichilds they are so cool and lovin fish. anyway i started my water and the temp is about 78 what is the right temp for them and what kind of cichilds should i begin with i have a 55 gal and have caves set up for them and fake plants and powerheads and a filter outside the tank wisper is there anything else i need before i start to buy them or i also started a cycle without fish but dont have a kit yet to test my water ammoria.
i from new york city harlem area but im not a gangser lol.......... hope to hear from u soon take care..................nyc#1

Answer
Hi Sal,
 78 is perfect for temperature.  Personally, I think the best cichlid to start with is the convict cichlid.  They aren't the absolutely most colorful cichlid, but you can't beat them for wonderful behavior.  I have a page on my website that talks about how to work with them.  You might take a look at it at

http://cichlidresearch.com/simpleaquarium.html

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>