Hi all,

I have a Rena Aqualife 350 (121cm W x 51cm x D 70,5 cm H; Total Volume: 440 litres; quoted useful volume of 380 litres).

I have it all set up ready for an mbuna tank (will start the cycle after my holiday)... but now I'm toing and froing with other ideas.

If my research is right, going for a big fish, such as a Frontosa species tank, you will only be interested in the length dimension of the tank (4') so most would say not big enough - is that the case or does the fact that this tank is very deep and very wide influence? It's knocking on 100 US G, but is the 4' a show stopper. The tank is presently built up with a lot of ocean / lava / tuffa rock so this would have to go with Fronts I know... However, maybe its a non starter? I do love the look of these fish, and a big of a show fish of this size does have an appeal to me.

In the back of my mind however, when I ran a planted tank, I preferred the look of loads of smaller fish than a few big fish, so maybe this will apply to Mbuna as well - lots of actions; lots of fish, rather than a few fronts....

I 95% sure I'd go for Mbuna over Tangs.... I know I'm throwing a lot in here, but I guess the question to experienced keepers of these type of fish is:
If you could do it all again with a tank this size, what would you do?!
Just want to get it right 1st time.

It's a question I could answer for a planted set-up so hopefully an experienced keeper in this forum can give some thoughts!

Thanks.

IMO a tank full of colorful mbuna is better than a few big fish

You're going to get a mix of opinions on what they'd do.
I would say 4 foot is to small...sorry Since the fish get to about 12" or slightly larger is possible.

This post has been edited by kj23502: Jun 17 2008, 07:48 PM

Id also say it is too small, as I think these fish like to be in colonies and yes they grow HUUGE

Id either do a lake tang set up or haps

I would also go for smaller fish, as it also makes your tank look bigger and more interesting. There is always something going on as you say yourself, and something new to discover.....

So consensus is small fish...

Guess my own research will answer the haps / mbuna / tang question...! Any of your own thought are of interest however.

Thanks.

This post has been edited by rjtaylor: Jun 18 2008, 09:08 PM

I personally think the julies are fascinating!!

Julidochromis

They are from Lake Tanganyika.