29g Stock

[kramers]

I'm in the process of setting up my first cichlid tank. it is a 29 USg with crushed coral substrate. Right now I'm still cycling and looking for rocks. I'm not planning on planting it. My question is, what can I get for this tank. A couple of options that I've been told are rams and labs. Is there anything else in this size group and how many should i be able to put in this tank. Thanks for any replies.

 

[Ferris]

The tank isn't really big enough for Mbuna of which yellow labs are 1 of many species. You have a few options with fish from Lake Tanganyika such as shell-dwellers. You could also look at getting a pair of Kribensis, which would be well suited to your tank size. Yellow labs and other Mbuna/Malawi's really need a tank like a 55 gal due to their aggressive nature.

Rams are New World cichlids but would definately be a good option as would Appistogramma.

 

[fish_r_great]

I'm guessing your gonna get some Africans because you have crushed coral and this raises your pH. Rams and Apistos like low to neutral pH so unless you want to change the substrate your going African.

You could do maybe some Julidochromis,Leleupi, Shellies, Brichardi, Yellow Labs, Kribs, or some other semi-aggressive African. I say Labs because they are peaceful in terms of Africans and while with most Mbuna you would overstock to reduce aggression in most cases Labs are peaceful enough that this is not neccesary. Although a larger tank would work better as Ferris noted. Take a look at www.liveaquaria.com African Cichlid Tanganyika selection and ask if you could do a tank with whatever you like. As long as it doen't get too big many Tangs will do great in species tanks in a 29.

 

[kramers]

Thanks for the advice guys. As for the coral, I did a test on it and at the time it was at 8.4 pH. After doing a little more research, African is my best bet. Ok, time to hit the books and websites a little more.

 

[mamafish68]

whats your tap ph over yonder in LA?



and sorry but yellow labs would NOT be very suitable for your 29 gallon.



some shell dwellers and some danios for top movement would suffice. danios are hardy and cheap enough if you lose one or two you wont hurt the pocket

 

[kramers]

Straight out of the tap is 6.8 pH.

 

[fish_r_great]

Ferris

 

[Ferris]

Why wouldn't yellow labs be suitable?

IMHO a 29 gal is way too small for Mbuna, even labs. I know it has been done but labs reach a fair size when adults (around 5") and they are still cichlids and therefore aggressive. I think a 40 gal is the minimum size for any Mbuna and preferrably a 55 gal to give them a proper environment.