30 gallon Cichlid tank-

[MrPlatypus]

Okay, so the 100 gallon I was supposed to get didn't work out (no response from the lady), so I've decided to do a 30 Tanganyika tank.

1. What equipment should I invest in? I know a filter, but what kind of lighting, etc.

2. What are really good, and colorful species, that would survive well in a tank that size? I had a nice talk with the fish expert at my LFS, but I also want to get other opinions too.

3. Any advice for a beginner at raising Cichlids?

And thoughts, links to good sites, insight from those who raise them, and words of encouragement would be absolutely, and utterly appreciated.

Thanks!
MrPlatypus

[toddnbecka]

Shellies or Julies (established pair) would be fine in a 30, possibly a calvus as well.
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/phpBB/index.php
http://www.cichlidforums.com/index.php

[Lab_Rat]

You could also do a trio of brichardi.

[hybridguy]

In a small tank i like trios of calvus, they love shells and are very interesting.I have bred them several times but it is nearly impossible to keep the fry alive.I also like transcriptus,lelupi,brichardi, and even damasoni because they stay small.

[toddnbecka]

Brichardi will overrun the tank quicker than anything else, and they're about as easy to rehome as convicts. Better to cull the fry for feeders IMO.

[sheamurai]

I think if I had to reduce my tank to a 30, I would likely keep the acei's and my yellow labs...nice colour contrast, and easy to keep...

[Lab_Rat]

I think if I had to reduce my tank to a 30, I would likely keep the acei's and my yellow labs...nice colour contrast, and easy to keep...

30g is way to small for either of those species. Really, they need a 4' footprint.

[sheamurai]

Errr I guess I don't really know the dimensions of a 30gal tank...

[Lab_Rat]

30g is typically 3' long (36"), though many people call their 29g tanks a 30g which can cause stocking issues since the 29g is only 30" in length.