Cichlids vs tropical fish?

[piscadero]

I have a 40 gallon aquarium with guppies, Zebra Danios, Serpae Tetra and Black Skirt Tetra I just purchased a 45 gallon tank. So far, I am undecided what kind of fish to buy. What would you recommend? Should I buy cichlids or tropical fish and what should I buy? I know it is a personal choice but I torn between the two. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Gracias.

[crackatinny]

I prefer cichlids because most seem more hardy, most have a long life, and there are some great looking species.

[Lady Hobbs]

Cichlids are really very, very popular and it seems that everyone starts with community and then wants to go into the specialty fish. They are colorful and have good personalities. Well, some have good personalitites. LOL

I have a 29 gallon planted that I am considering going the the dwarf cichlids.........the Apistogramma species. Keyholes, Kribs and Rams are another choice for dwarfs.

[cocoa_pleco]

mbuna would be cool

[cocoa_pleco]

Cichlids are really very, very popular and it seems to everyone starts with community and then wants to go into the specialty fish.

Ive noticed that too. my 55g used to be a planted community and it wasnt any work, so i converted it to a reef which actually is work

[Kuli_Loach]

Yea my 55g planted community have one cichlid, it is now only a cichlid tank!!

[Incredulous_Ed]

What i suggest is go to a pet store and look at the fish you really like. Then go home and resaerch all the fish you saw there that you liked. Then, if you want them and can provide all their needs, go buy some.