[jgc]

I am no ciclid expert, but did keep ciclid tanks for a few years. I personally really enjoyed cichlid tanks - they fish are beautiful and fairly active. The cliff dwellers I had were somewhat shy, but would come out if not disturbed (I had lots of (Texas Holey) limestone for them to hide in).

Anyway, they might not really like eating under a lot of light, try feeding them w/o the light on and see if they will go to the top if you are a few ft away from the tank.

I have heard they will tear up a planted tank - but one of my favorite lightly planted tanks has both Malawi cichlids and some Val and looks great (not geographically correct correct I guess, but still looks good)