Cichlids Planning On Getting For New Tank.

[MikeD67]

Ok so looks like im getting a 85 gal tank next week and will have a DIy backround 2 Emperial HOb filters and a fluval 405 cannister filter for filtration also will have a 300 W heater crushed coral and looks like will be using landscaping rocks or lava rocks for decoration and cave building. I have been doing research on some African Cichlids and decided what I want and I believe these will all go good with each other if I am wrong please tell me and make some other suggestions.

Will be getting 5 of each species 2 male / 3 female

Labidochromis Caeruleus/omnivore/peacefull/max size 5 inch/p.h 7.8-8.6
Melanchromis Cyneorhabdos- (Maingano) /omnivore/mildly aggressive/4inch size/ph 7.8 - 8.6
Metriaclima Callinos - (Cobalt Zebra)/Herbivore/mildly aggressive/6 inch/7.8-8.6
Metriaclima Greshakie – (Ice Blue)/omnivore/mildly aggressive/6 inch/7.8-8.6
Pseudotropheus Socolof – (Albino Pindani)/Herbivore/mildly aggressive/6 inch/7.8-8.6
Pseudotropheus sp. Elongatus Mbenji Blue /herbivore/mildly aggressive/4 inch/7.8-8.6
Pseudotropheus sp. Acei./herbivore/mildly aggressive/6 inch/7.8-8.6

Also in the tank will be 2 Pleco

anyother suggestions are welcomed

 

[Ferris]

Sounds like a good mix. You may have aggression issues stocking 2 males of each species but that said, you have a large tank so it's not impossible - just something to keep an eye on.

If the 2 Plecs are common's - they should be fine, BN's also make good tankmates for Mbuna.

 

[MikeD67]

Ill have to kep eye on that would it be better to go maybe 1 male 3 female of each species and get couple more species to add in the mix ? with the mix I put up thats 35 Cichlids if I go 4 of each species 1 male 3 female thats 28 and would leave me room to add one more species of 4 how does that sound is this better way to go than to have 2 male of each species? and if so any suggestions on the last species to add that will go good with this mix.

 

[Ferris]

1 male to 3 females is the safer ratio and as you say would also give you the option of another species. Don't feel you have to abandon your original plan - it is possible, just involves more risk.

Metriaclima Estherae would look nice - the bright orange would be a completely different colour to the rest of your suggested stock. Estherae are normally easy to get hold of too. One of the various Cynotilapia Afra species would be another possibility although you have quite a lot of blue already.

 

[MikeD67]

lol I did all this research and didnt even realize alot of the species I picked are almost of same color may have to do little more research maybe think about going different way with a couple of the species the ones I really want to keep in the mix are

Pseudotrophis sp. Acei
Melanchromis Cyneorhabdos
Labidochromis Caeruleus
Pseudotropheus Socolof – (Albino Pindani)/
Metriaclima Greshakie – (Ice Blue)/
Metriaclima Callinos - May be willing to go different way on this one

Im going go do alitlle more research on the ones you suggested and others I may be able to add to mix.

 

[Ferris]

These links should help for Mbuna species info and pics

http/www.fishforums.net/Cichlids-African-f41.html

http/www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/category.php?cat=2

 

[MikeD67]

I came across a couple and one is really borderline...
I like the Labidochromis sp. Hongi and the Cyphotilapia Frontosia or one from the Cyphotilapia species

the Cyphotilapia are mildly aggressive but they get up to 15 inch long is it possible to keep maybe one male and one female of this species in with the rest or even maybe just one female?

 

[caboose_122]

frontosa are from a completely different lake (lake Tanganyika) and everything else is from lake Malawi not a recommended mix

 

[MikeD67]

frontosa are from a completely different lake (lake Tanganyika) and everything else is from lake Malawi not a recommended mix

Ok thats what i thought I was just under impression all african cichlids could go together they just couldnt go with central or south american cichlids thanx for clearing that up for me.

 

[caboose_122]

no problem. glad to help!

 

[Ferris]

Fronts as juveniles will really struggle with Mbuna aggression but as they near adulthood - the mbuna may look like a tasty snack. Plus you will have Herbivores and Carnivores in the same tank - difficult to accommodate both sets of dietary requirements.

It is certainly possible to combine Tangs and Malawi's if you start with potentially compatible species and do your research.

 

[caboose_122]

ooh yeah i forgot that some aulonocara and some haps could go with tangs must have had a brain fart