Cichlids orAngels/Community?

[bmoore09]

So I’m struggling with a decision. I have a brand new 75 gallon that’s currently cycling. I’m definitely not done aquascaping it just yet b/c I haven’t decided what kind of fish I want. I’ve only ever had a planted 30-gallon with cardinal tetras, rasboras, cories, and dwarf gouramis. So the 75 gallon is huge and new to me.

I really want a colorful tank, so I’m trying to figure out if I want to go with Cichlids or something else. If not Cichlids then maybe a community tank with a couple Angelfish? Only problem with those two options is I think they both severely limit me when trying to pick out fish for the tank.

If I go with Cichlids I think Id like to go with Africans since they’re the most colorful, but I’m worried about the ph levels. I currently have pool filter sand, some driftwood, rocks, and a fake wood piece that I stuck a bubbler underneath. So I know I’ll have to add something in there to up the PH levels, I’m just not sure what. I’m also worried about having “one place to hide” for each fish. It sounds like a lot of expensive rock and décor.

It seems easier and cheaper to go with the community tank, but I’m always up for a challenge. I just don’t think I know enough about Cichlids to have a go at it yet.

How hard are the African Cichlids to keep?
If I go the Angelfish route what kind of fish can go with them?

I’ve been going back and forth on all of this stuff, so I’m looking for a little input/advice from some that might have been through this before.

Here are some pics of my unfinished 75 gallon. I know if I go with Cichlids I get more rock and no plants. Angelfish/Community tanks would take plants. So right now excuse the bare-ness of it. Just thought I’d show off what I’m working with.

Thanks for the input!

[Manafel]

Hello,
I have been doing a lot of research on owning African cichlids, so ill tell you that converting to a cichlid tank would be a bigger expense. If your going to keep Africans, you are going to have problems if you don't have a lot of filtration. And as far as the ph goes, you can add rocka that raise ph like limestone for decor, and add some crushed coral into your filter. If your looking for a challenge, I'm sure the cichlids would be worth it, but if you want something easy and less stressful, you could go with the angel community.

[jrman83]

What you have so far sort of looks like a cichlid tank. Raising the ph is easy, lowering it is much more difficult. Angel community doesn't limit you too much on fish choice, but going with Africans pretty much limits you to other Africans. If you want the tank planted, can't tell that well, but it looks like you may need some lighting changes. I would say that going by what you have right now...easier to go with cichlids. Both setups require good filtration IMO. I think 75g is where most HOB filters have reached their limit. Maybe if you had two AC110s on there, but even then.....

[bmoore09]

So two totally different answers :-)

That's why I've been torn.
I really dont want too many plants in the tank, maybe just a few. And I really can't upgrade my filtration right now...but I may be able to in the future.

So if I go community, what fish can I get to go with the Angels? Cories should be ok, right? What else would go good with them? Thanks for the advice.

[jrman83]

Cories work fine with Angels. I have them with mine, along with Blood Fin Tetras, Rummy-nosed Tetras, Cardinal and Neon Tetras, and Otos. Just about any fish labelled as a community fish will be fine. Some say that Neons/Cardinals will eventually be food to a full-grown Angel, but I don't ever see that happening. I have some really big Neons/Cardinals.

If you wanted a fairly easy plant that Angels will like I would get something like Vals or Crypt Balansae...both will get tall and reach the top of your tank. You could make walls of it and give the Angels and others places to hid. It also naturally spreads (Vals) on its own. Balansae will do the same, just at a much slower rate.

[meBNme]

See my fish list.
Every one of these are getting along fine with my angels.

Though, I would steer you away from the clown knife, SN sturgeon, stingray, and polypterus. Your tank is too small for them.

[madtyke]

Interestingly, angels are cichlids, from South America, you could go a South American boitype with other SA cichlids such as rams etc. You won't need to increase ph but should add lots of plants.

[holly12]

I've got 2 Angels in my planted community 36g and they get along with everyone just fine. I did have corys but traded them in (not because anyone was picking on them) and got the clown plecos instead. They are also living with harlequin rasboras. I love them! They have so much personality! The come to the front of the glass every time we walk into the room. XD

[bmoore09]

What about Roseline sharks? Ok with Angels?