I don’t know why chiclids have such a reputation for being bad for beginners. I was given a fish tank 55 gallon (like yours) and it came with 7 cichlids (4 electric yellow, 2 convics and a giraffe one) I also have two large plecos in there. I NEVER clean the tank. When the water runs low, I put in water and add chichlid buffer to it (which I recommend) and clean out the filter about every 4-5 months. That’s it. Everyone gets along and it is crystal clear for years now. Just keep the group small and they should be fine.

You are thinking along the right lines.

Tank is big enough and those are as easy to care for as any other fish.

I suggest you just get one of each to start with, that way the tank wont be crowded (easy care) and you wont have aggression problems when they pair up and think about breeding.

Get some medium size catfish or larger schooling fish if you want.

Ian

Beginner cichlids are what you make of them …. and how prepared you are.

Some good “milder” cichlids that aren’t particularly “rowdy” are :
Keyholes
Rainbows
Festivum
smaller Geophagus
Acaras (several different types get called Acara) like Leatacara,some of the smaller Aequidens
Angelfish
Some of the Apistogramma
Mikrogeophagus species.

In a 55g you could have ….
Keyhole (4)
Festivum (2)
Rainbow (2)
… or substitute Angelfish (2 or 4) for one of the above.

Still have room for some dithers (Tetras) and a couple of Bristlenose Plecs.
… OR …..
You could also have a colony of Geophagus,possibly …
Rio Tapajos Redhead ( 4-5)
with dithers and smaller Plecs.

I’m a beginner south american owner and also have a 55g. i have a jack dempsey, a green terror, a convict and 3 firemouths. all have thrived so far in the month i’ve had them.