Setting up with Cichlids

[cheffi]

Was really impressed with the pic's of members cichlids. I'm about to set up my first tank - 80 uk gals - 48" wide - 18" deep - 27.5" high.

I need some advice re fish to put in, how many of each group etc. I love the really brightly coloured ones (want to make a pseudo marine looking tank) so any advice would be much appreciated. Below is a list of some fish I've seen that I like to give some idea:
Blue Dolphin
Maingano
Yellowtailed acei
REd Zebra
Yellow Labs
Fryeri
Socolofi Powder Blue
Lombardoi

[karen]

Mainganos, need about a 65 gallon tank, they reach about 4inches
It should not be kept together with other Melanochromis because they see other along-stripped cichlid as a threat and could get rather aggressive.
Socolofi Powder Blue need a 50 gallon tank, a ratio of 2 males to 3 females is advised
Yellow Labs need a large tank,males will fight so have them in large groups and have lots of caves and hiding places.
Hope this helps im just about to set up my first cichlid tank too.

[anthony]

Socolofi..Lombardoi...REd Zebra. Are extremely aggressive Malawis. The Dolphin would be ripped to bits. but he would be ok with the Acie and the labs. Bumble and Borleyi would be fine with the Dolphin.

[fantasticaqua]

My favorite tank is my bowfront with labs and acei. They have a similar attitude and just chase each other around. I think the key is letting your fish grow up together. Then they figure out the chain of command before they become to powerful or aggresive. Always add a bunch of caves to an African Cichlid tank or your doomed. hope this helps a lil'