Advice Required

[paulioo]

Hi ppl.

I usally reside over at the planted tank area, but I'm considering venturing over to the dark side of Cichlids...

I've spent all of today reading up on their requirements and different types. But there seems to be so much conflicting information I decided to come back to TFF.

My tank is not ideal for Cichlids, i know that already. 33 US Gallons, 125 litres. Because of my limited space i've decided on the following stocking arrangement.

I should point out that i'm not going to go through with this at any point soon. Probably in the next 6 months or so. Anyway I need advice if this is ok..

4 Pseudotropheus Caeruleus (Yellow Labs, 3 females, 1 male)
2 Pseudotropheus Lanisticola (Shell- Dwelling Mbuna)
1 Pseudotropheus Demasoni

Heard so many conflicting reports about the Demasoni that I really don't know if one is suitable.

If the Demasoni is not suitable, which i think might not be, I was thinking I could just have,


4 Pseudotropheus Caeruleus (Yellow Labs, 3 females, 1 male) and
4 Metriaclima callainos (Cobalt Blue, 3 female, 1 male) OR 4 Melanochromis johannii (3 females, 1 male)

Basically if i went ahead with this, I'd like to have the contrast of yellow fish and blue fish.

Sorry for the long post. But could i receive some feedback on the possible stocking options please?

I'll sneek back to the planted tank section where i belong

Paul.

 

[fishing4exotics]

You are right about the Demasoni being too aggressive. Also, I think the smallest tank for African cichlids is a 55 gallon tank. Good luck with your project, though.

 

[Ginge]

Some say that the demasoni is too aressive but they can be ok on their own with fish of another species but the tanks size could still be a problem.

 

[mamafish68]

Ahem, 55 isnt the smallest for africans, dont leave out the shell dwellers ya know

demasoni are too aggressive but if you keep one you should be fine, IMHO it's either a bunch or just one that work with demasoni other wise your asking for a blood bath.

ps I'm drooling over that planted tank pic you have (wipes dribble off chin ) lololol

 

[fishing4exotics]

True that mamafish68. I don't know how I overlooked the shellies I think I forget more than I know Those are some of my favorite African cichlids. Pound of pound they have to be the most agressive cichlids. I love the way they attack my finger I have bred shellies in 10 gallon tanks with sponge filters. Most bang for the tank space in my opinion.

 

[paulioo]

Another quick point, there may not be an answer to this but..

I can buy tufa rock from the internet in 25KG bags, and ocean rock in 25kg bags too.

Would 25kg be enough to provide a sufficient supply of rocks in a 33 US Gallon tank?

I know its a difficult question to answer, but if anyone has any rough estimates, it would be greatly appreciated.

Paul

 

[freddyk]

Any Melanochromis species is not a good idea in a 33 gallon tank, and nor is Callainos. Be very careful in your selection of species because this is considered a very small tank for these fish.

Lab Caeruleus will work just fine, and for blue you might want to consider Pseudotropheus Acei, another very mild mbuna that will do fine in this tank. Two species is plenty in a tank this size, especially when you consider that both the previous fish are grouping fish and thrive in numbers.

Just buy a bag of rocks - if you need more you can always add some. 25k sounds like plenty though.

 

[mamafish68]

"MOST AGRESSIVE" NO WAYYY
lolol ever stuck your hand near a nesting site of a pair of black calvus??? Any calvus for that matter of the 3 inch varity
I DID and OH MY GOD!!! my finger got hit like some razorblade came to life. shredded my knuckle

 

[paulioo]

Any Melanochromis species is not a good idea in a 33 gallon tank, and nor is Callainos. Be very careful in your selection of species because this is considered a very small tank for these fish.

Lab Caeruleus will work just fine, and for blue you might want to consider Pseudotropheus Acei, another very mild mbuna that will do fine in this tank. Two species is plenty in a tank this size, especially when you consider that both the previous fish are grouping fish and thrive in numbers.

Just buy a bag of rocks - if you need more you can always add some. 25k sounds like plenty though.

Yeah I was thinking of just going for the yellow labs and 2 shell dwellers, but i like the look of the Pseudotropheus Acei.

Thanks for the information everybody. Just to re-itterate, i'm a long way off going ahead with this , maybe get a bigger tank, if the miss's will let me

Paul.