[Dave L]

For african cichlids you would need a larger bottom so that you can build a rock wall for them to form thier own territories. 55G is too small anyways. I would recommend some boring but easy fish if this is your first tank, tetra's, platys are fairly hardy and you wont feel too guilty flushing them if they die. Either buy a cemical test kit or bring in a sample of your water to ensure its stable before you start putting fish in.