i just set up a tank for africans. its is only a 29 gal, and i need suggestions for small chiclids that will be able ti live in this tank. i have had aquariums my whole life and currently have a 120 reef that is mostly sps. so i am no stranger in how to care for and make my fish happy. i would love some help and pointers as this is the first freshwater tank i have had in about 8 years or so. thank you

Hey pidge, welcome to ACF!!

Do you plan on breeding?

You could do some of the smaller species from Lake Malawi. Examples would be most Cynotilapia, Iodotropheus sprengerae, most Labidochromis, and some of the Pseudotropheus like polit or saulosi.

Should have good filtration, lots of rockwork for hiding places, and stock on the heavy side to help disperse aggression. Water pH is not that critical, but should be kept consistent anywhere in the range of 7-8.5. Can also add rift lake salt if desired.

Another option would be Lake Tanganyikan shell dwellers.

Check out this Link which profiles the different species.


Let us know what interests you.

Welcome to ACF!

thanks for the info and the welcomes!i will definitely research those little guys some more. i have about 30 lbs of old live rock from a reef tank, and there is a good 3" crushed coral fine sand. i am not sure of the ph exactly, but i do know it has got to be high. i will post a pic to see if you think that it is enough rock, or maybe just give me some pointers on placement. will live plants do well in these tanks, or will the fish just destroy them live the south americans do? let me know if you think my filter will suffice? it is an A-miracle sump with bio balls.









any help would be great! thanks in advance

Tank looks great and that is a sufficient amount of rockwork.

Filter should be fine. What is the pump's rated flow?

You can try live plants. With Africans it's a coin toss as to whether or not they will work. If you opt to try, just make sure to choose plants that will do well in alkaline water.

the pump is rated for 300 gph at 5 ft. should that be enough? i do have tons and tons of pumps just laying around.

Pump is on the high end for a 29g tank filtration at around 10x turnover, but should be fine.

You should definitely have crystal clear water......