some of these fish started out in a 2.5 gal tank. they were moved to a 7.5 gal bow which now serves as my coral reef tank. I had no idea the cichlids got to be big, they were babies when we bought them. 2.5 is a tropicl fresh water now. I sold my 55 gal and went for a 75 then a 120. the 55 and 75 found good home and are cichlid tanks. there is no end, it seems i always wanting a bjgger tank but enough is enough.