South & Central american cichlids VS African cichlids

[Miguel4u2]

I am almost done with the 110 gallon and i am debating whether to go with africans or american cichlids. I have had american before but have not kept africans before. For me it is a really hard choice. What would you guys suggest.

what do you think about a black background?

 

[Drew_H2o]

for the black background!!!

That is a tough question. I just switched from Africans to Central Americans. I'm enjoying something different so why not try Africans! I've always wanted a Frontosa tank but never had the capacity.

 

[Toby_H]

What is your local water like? I often encourage people to select fish from a range that will thrive in their local water without making any alterations...

It is easier to get a wide range of colors when keeping Rift Lake African Cichlids...

I personally find the personalities of SA/CA Cichlids to be much more interesting and personable than Africans. Africans just seem to wonder mindlessly until they play a game of nip and chase... SA/CA Cichlids seem more 'intelligent' and have more social dynamics to their interactions...

Not many plants do well in the Alkalinic water prefered by Rift Lake Africans. Also driftwood eats up KH which encourages PH to drop, so Driftwood doesn't work well in most Rift Lake African set ups...

I do say "Rift Lake Africans" because there are quite a few "West African" Cichlids that come from the soft water rivers of Africa. These areas have water conditions very very close to South America and many species from these rivers mix very well with South American fish.


All things considered... I favor SA/CA Cichlids all the way...

 

[bob965]

If you can't decide between african cichlids and american cichlids, compromise and get some african-american ones.

 

[seel1990]

american cichlids all the way. much more interactive and interesting imo

 

[KaiserSousay]

If you can't decide between african cichlids and american cichlids, compromise and get some african-american ones.

Priceless

 

[Deaths Sting]

SA/CA FTW!!

 

[Miguel4u2]

I do enjoy the personality of sa ca cichlids. I would like to see some setups before my final choice though, could you guys upload some photos of your setup?

 

[FSM]

Gymnogeophagus + plants

If I had 5 more tanks none of them would have african cichlids in them.
Maybe if I had 10 more, though.

 

[Miguel4u2]

Gymnogeophagus + plants

If I had 5 more tanks none of them would have african cichlids in them.
Maybe if I had 10 more, though.

Nice setup, looks really good, i never thought of having a planted tank with american cichlid but you pulled it of. Thanks for sharing.