Cobalt Blue Zebras

[Yanks15]

I'm really interested in starting a 55gal tank. I would like to have some cobalt blue cichlids. How many could I stock and what would be a suitable companion to allow the cobalts to stand out? Ideas on filtering, lighting, substrate and aquascaping would be appreciated. It would be my largest tank and I want it to be right.

Thanks.

 

[dthoffsett]

If you're just wanting two species I'd go with 6-7 of each species (1m/5-6f each). To make the cobalts (Metriaclima callainos) stand out I'd go with either Labidochromis caeruleus (yellow labs, m/f ratio doesn't matter with this species) or Pseudotropheus socolofi (albino) aka snow-white socolofi, both would really make the blue in the cobalts pop.
Labidochromis caeruleus
Pseudotropheus socolofi (Albino)

As for set up, because mbuna tanks are overstocked to cut down on aggression you'll want your filter(s) to turn your tank over at least 8+ times per hour (for your tank at least 440gph). Decor is typically rocks with sand for substrate, if your PH or KH is on the lower end aragonite sand is a good choice to buffer. Lighting doesn't matter with mbuna, IMO daylight bulbs bring out their colors best, but really whatever looks good to you will work.

Here are some links to read:
The Mbuna Aquarium
Feeding Mbuna
Members African Cichlid Tanks
[URL="http/www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/"]http/www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/[/URL]

 

[Yanks15]

Thanks for the reply I have been doing alot of reading thru these pages and looking at everyone's set-ups. They all look great I'm thinking of this mix....

3-4 melanchromis johannii
3-4 pseudotropheus acei
3-4 labidochromis caeruleus

How does this mix sound? Made changes to mix after visiting LFS

Thanks.

 

[Yanks15]

Also for substrate, is it possible to mix sand and gravel to keep from having gas build up underneath? Or more to the point, sand over gravel? I read the pinned topic but no pictures. I have looked at others tanks and saw mostly one type substrate. Alot had more than what I thought was recommended for max depth.(1-2cm)

Thanks for the help.

 

[dthoffsett]

Well, the l.caeruleus would be fine, but IMO the m.johannii & p.acei won't work. The johannii like all melanochromis species are pretty aggressive and I wouldn't recommend in smaller than a 75 or to a beginner mbuna keeper, the p.acei reach around 7" and really need a larger tank.

Substrate: mbuna are bulldozers in fish form , you needn't worry about gas pockets building up as they will constantly move it around. It's one of my favorite things to watch with them, they push it around or scoop it up in their mouths and spit it out somewhere else. The alpha male cobalt I used to have would spit sand at me whenever I got too close to the tank. Most mbuna keepers that I've seen keep the sand around 1-2" (2.54-5.1cm). You can mix sand and gravel if you want, but you'll notice the gravel tends to migrate towards the top and never stays mixed, it's really up to you.

 

[Yanks15]

Thanks for the response. I may have to start looking around at other stores. I made this list based off of what this one shop had. And I really did prefer the cobalts. I like the idea of the cobalts w/ the yellow labs. I have plenty of time to search them out. I don't plan on starting this tank for a while yet.

Thanks again for your input.