I'm Doug. I don't remember how I came across this forum, but it was on my bookmarks. I've been doing some fish research lately. I've had fish for a few years, mostly small tropicals like tetras and platies. A couple years ago, I moved and gave my fish and tanks away. But I've been getting the itch for more fish, so I set up a 75 gallon a couple weeks ago. I want to go with cichlids. I have plenty of time before anything goes in that tank but I've never had cichlids so I want to learn all I can first. I'll accept any advice.

Welcome to FWM! There are some expert cichlid guys on here who will be happy to help. Are you looking to keep africans, south american, central american?

I like Jack Dempseys and Severums too, but I'm leaning towards Africans. I like the variety. But before I start picking based on color, I'm trying to learn more about each group and certain fish.

Hello Doug! Welcome to FWM! African cichlids are a varied lot, but Rift Valley cichlids from Lake Tanganyika and Lake Malawi tend to dominate what is available in the hobby on a regular basis. Decide whether you want species from one of those lakes, or maybe Lake Victoria or West African species. I'd recommend picking a species that you really like and building your other stock choices around that. With a basis for what you'd like to keep, it'd be easier to provide direction on habitat and compatibility.

WYite

Welcome to FWM Doug, glad to have you! We love Cichlids here, well all fish really...lol. I agree with what wyite said and also wanted to add to consider what kind of aggression and personality you are looking for and adult size....Anyway welcome and open a new thread with any questions.

I like the Ice Blues. But, ya'know, I keep going back to the Severums too.

Welcome and hello Doug! My favorite choice is Lake Tanganyika! Lake Malawi fish tend to be a bit more aggressive. Hope you like the site and after you decide what you are going with let us know. We will be glad to do our best to help you!

I think I am set on Severums. So I need a nice group to mix with them.

You are only going to want to keep 2 or 3 sevs in a 75 gal.