Pet Forum / Aquaria / Cichlids / August 2003

Group,

I have a 55 gal well established tank the needs repopulating.  I have had
angels for many years and they are starting to go (old age I think).  I have
standard gravel with a undergravel filter and the pH is consistently between
6.3 and 6.5.  Rather than get more angles I was thinking of going with fish
with more of a personality.   Non-angel and non-discus Cichlids came to
mind.  I don't want to turn the tank upside down by changing the gravel for
crushed coral to get the hard water so African cichlids are out.

Here is my question:  What types of So American cichlids would work under
those conditions.  Ideally I would like to have 3 varieties that can coexist
given enough structure.  I plan on getting them young, how many of each
should I get?  Would I need to cull them out for a pair of each type or
would  3 or 4 of a type work?

I think I know just enough to be dangerous so I am looking for experience.

Thanks,
Steve