Dwarf Cichlids

Question
I've had a 15 gallon freshwater community tank for about three years. I bought a 36 gal. bow front tank in December and am in the process of cycling.  I haven't made up my mind if I want a community tank or a single species tank.  If I decide on the single species tank I am leaning towards dwarf cichlids.  I've been reading every thing that I can get my hands on pertaining to them.  My question to you is, if I do decide to go with the dwarfs which one would be a good starter for this size tank? What would be the best setup, and how many would be manageable? The water quaility in my area is PH between 7.0-7.2, hardness/soft is 75ppm and the alkalinity is moderate 80-120ppm. I know the water should be rather soft for some of these guys so what is the best way to achieve this?


Answer
A good starter fish would be a Ram. There are two types of rams, Gold Rams (Microgeophagus ramerizi) and Bolivian Rams (Microgeophagus altispinosa). The Gold Ram is a little more finicky about its water chemistry. It requires water that is soft, less than 3 dKH (alkalinity/carbonate hardness less than 50ppm CaCO3) and a pH around 7.0. Whereas a Bolivian Ram would be fine with water a little bit harder, between 3-8dkh (50-150ppm CaCO3) and a pH around 7.5.
Another dwarf you may consider are Laetecara curviceps which prefer moderatly soft water, around 3-5 dKH (50-90ppm CaCO3) and a neutral pH.
Apistogramma species are also a good choice, although would be better off in an established aquarium due to their relatively delicate nature. They would prefer water similar to that of the Gold Ram.
If you can find them, Dwarf Pike Cichlids such as Crenicichla compressiceps are a very attractive and rare fish. They also prefer water similar to the Gold Ram.
All of these fishes are small (under 3 inches) and non aggressive. They can all be kept in a community tank, and they will all accept frozen foods such as brine shrimp. All will do well if provided with some cover such as plants, a cave, or logs to hide in.
I hope this is the kind of information you are looking for.
Good Luck!