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African cichlids, freshwater or saltwater, and envirnment requitments??

I have a 20 gallon tank that I am thinking of putting like 2-3 cichlids in. I found an add on CL, and was thinking about getting some fry, but not sure. Here is the link, tell me what the cichlid specialists think of this idea please. I do have the tank established, and can move my guppies to either my 10 gallon, or my 55 gallon. http://austin.craigslist.org/for/692379537.html The 55 gallon is too full of mollies and plats to move all of them, and not sure how well the cichlids would do in the same tank, so don't want to put them in there.

Public Comments

1. I wouldn't buy any fish froms cragslist but that is just me depending on what ciclids you choose depends on weather the 20 gal tank is ok for them or if they would if you do decide to get them tell that guy to drop his tank temp to 75 and his fish will stop making baby's
2. get a new tank for the mollies and platies, the cichlids will kill them and you can't keep cichlids in a 20g, they need 55 min. lake malawi cichlids are best, they stay reasonably sized and are compatible with each other. cichlids like lots of rocks to hide in, and the tear up most plants so be careful. don't overcrowd or they'll kill each other over territory issues. 5-7 would be good. and buying someone else's fish off the internet is not advisable, you should go to a fish store and pick ur own. that person's fish might have diseases or problems or something.
3. Unfortunately I've just put Telechromatis Temporalis into the cichlid forum and it doesn't exist. Somebody off loading hybrids, value less than $1.00. Requirements? Brackish water, but the the seller says they do alright in Austin Texas tap water. I would suggest trying to contact, but as there is no contact? 20 US gallon would be too small for 3 and African cichlids are territorial fish. Personal opinion - I would leave them where they are!
4. I have African cichlids. They need a lot of space. They are very aggressive and should only be put with African cichlids. Don't mix the different cichilids. Also make sure to put a lot of hiding places for them. GL
5. I think the person was referring to Telmatochromis temporalis, not Telechromatis temporalis... A 20 gallon tank would be perfect for one or two pairs, as they will top out at around 2.5-3" and, as long as provided with sufficient cover in the form of rocks a shells, should be fairly peaceful other than the occaisional dispute over whose shell is whose. They are full freshwater fish, and should be provided with water around 78-80*. In most cases, tap water will be fine, as it is generally hard and basic, and by the sounds of it, so is the water near you. http://www.fishbase.se/summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=8888 http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/t_temporalis_shell.php